Yvetot necklace in silver and vermeil with Rhine stones, cross-shaped pendant.
Yvetot necklaces, named by Constant Védie, a Norman jeweler, in reference to a prosperous town located not far from Rouen, are spectacular jewelry in silver, sometimes partially gilded, and set with rhinestones. Almost always made in Paris, they were hallmarked with the lictor’s fasces of Paris or the boar’s head, very rarely with the crab hallmark of the departments. We know of few examples with hallmarks before 1838. These necklaces were often sold with a pendant in the shape of a plaque or the Holy Spirit that could be changed depending on the occasion. A velvet ribbon was attached to the ends of the necklace for several reasons: to reduce its price, to make it lighter, to make it more pleasant to wear and probably to prevent traces of wear and stains on the collar of the dress. Once out of fashion, Yvetot’s necklaces were dismantled; only the crosses were kept, to be worn on less flashy chains. This is why complete Yvetot necklaces are quite rare these days.
Early 19th century
Normandy, France
Height: 11cm
Length: 32 cm
