georgian 'coque de perle' necklace
A late eighteenth century 'coque de perle', or 'eggshell pearl,' riviere, each panel carved from nautilus shell and resembling eggshells in curvature and delicacy, each panel set double-sided and framed in 9k gold approximately 0.6 in by 1.0 in, slightly graduated and terminating in a matching push-box clasp, minor damage to two panels on the reverse commensurate with age, length 16.5 in, central drop 1.5 in, circa 1780.
'Coque de perle' - French for 'eggshell pearl' - given its resemblance to a lustrous, domed eggshell, was a popular faux pearl material used during the Georgian period and carved from the nautilus shell of the East Indies. Often set with pyrite/marcasite or cut steel, pieces were typically crafted in silver to accentuate the steely grandeur of the shell material, though occasionally pieces were set in gold as well.