About this Piece
| Length: | 51” |
| Width: | 3/8” (slide charm), 2mm (chain) |
| Material: | Tests for gold-filled, glass, pearls |
| Weight: | 13 grams |
| Mark: | Yes, see photo |
| Era: | 1900 - 1910s |
Why You’ll Love It
The Gibson Girl was more than a symbol of independence; she was somewhat of an icon. This antique slide chain necklace could only be from the Art Nouveau era. Take a closer look at the portrait on the slide charm to see the Gibson Girl enhanced by a crescent moon inset with paste and luminous seed pearls. The elongated cable chain is a substantial weight and finely crafted in gold-filled with a vibrant yellow hue, this simple yet enduring piece exemplifies the ethereal beauty of the Art Nouveau.
Condition and Quality
| ● | Bright patina with minimal surface wear to the setting. No dents. |
| ● | Secure, original clasp. |
Collector Note
On The Gibson Girl.The Gibson Girl was a cultural icon in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, representing the ideal of feminine beauty and style. The Gibson Girl was depicted in illustrations by artist Charles Dana Gibson, characterized by her tall, slender frame, upswept hair, and fashionable clothing. The Gibson Girl became a symbol of the emerging modern woman, representing a departure from the Victorian era's restrictive standards of femininity. She was seen as confident, independent, and active, and her image was used in advertising and popular culture to promote various products and ideas. The Gibson Girl's influence on fashion and popular culture can still be seen today, and she remains an enduring symbol of early 20th-century American culture.
On the Art Nouveau Movement. Design motifs of the Art Nouveau movement from the early 20th century are all about stylized, curving and flowing lines found in nature. Though occurring at a similar time as the Arts and Crafts movement and sharing some design sensibilities, the Art Nouveau was far more whimsical and lighthearted. Popular figural motifs included fairies, flowers, and the "Art Nouveau lady" (a highly feminine woman generally depicted with flowing and flowered hair).