Watermelon Sorbet – Tourmaline and Peridot Necklace

Artisan Jewelry : Necklaces

 

On any given summer day in the Tuileries Gardens it is easy to spot the ice cream vendors by the long lines of patient customers. The great assortment of glaces and sorbets creates a rainbow of colors which was the inspiration for this luscious necklace. Pink tourmaline and peridot rondelles create a complimentary backdrop featuring the rare and unique watermelon tourmaline slice teardrops. The structure of this necklace is a modified version of the original Sutherland necklace but designed to appeal to a more modern look. 16" long.

The inspiration for the “Tuileries Collection” is based in the rich history of France. When Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI were banished from Versailles and forced to live in the Tuileries Palace as prisoners, the French queen gave a bag of grey pearls to the wife of the British ambassador, Lady Sutherland, for safekeeping. As an act of kindness, Lady Sutherland sent clothing and linens to the imprisoned and doomed queen. Marie Antoinette was executed in 1793. The pearls belonging to Marie Antoinette were eventually incorporated into a beautiful necklace for Lady Sutherland’s grandson’s wedding in 1849, and it has stayed in the Sutherland family for over 200 years. This historically significant necklace was recently featured in Christie’s auction in late 2007. Please see thumbnail for a photo of the original Sutherland necklace.

The elegant architecture of this significant necklace has been reinterpreted for today’s modern woman. Using variations of stones and format, the overall design as it originated, is still a stunning and viable style.

Item ID: WSTPN550