Antike Colliers
(until around 1950)
Antique necklaces have enchanted us for centuries and make a special statement. In the Halsbandaffaire range, we offer you a selection of antique jewellery: from fine necklaces in gold and silver to pearl necklaces and models set with precious stones. Select chains and necklaces according to different eras and always find the right model. Find out more"
A journey through time
Jewellery always reflects the tastes of the time and is dependent on economic and social circumstances. Each era is characterised by its own stylistic preferences and is characterised by an individual language of materials and shapes. Be inspired by our antique necklaces and follow us on a journey through time!
Ancien Regime and Rococo: exuberance and luxury
The period of French absolutism is known as an era of courtly luxury. In keeping with the extravagant lifestyle of the upper classes, the Ancien Regime is also the age of diamond necklaces. Diamonds were primarily worked into floral tendrils and bows and necklaces were preferably worn close to the neck.
Opulent designs also continued in the Rococo period: antique gold necklaces were lavishly decorated with flowers and ribbons. The eponymous rocaille was omnipresent.Classical designs for necklaces
As a departure from French absolutism, classicism returned to the clarity of antique models. The representatives of the strengthened bourgeoisie now adorned their necks with gold chains and antique silver necklaces made of uniform, strictly structured decorative elements. Alternatively, pearl and gold necklaces with an accentuated centrepiece were popular.
Coloured stones were replaced by gemstones and the use of enamel also became popular. Antique necklaces from this era are all about clarity and modest elegance.
Retreat and romance: Biedermeier necklaces
The Biedermeier period encompasses the time between 1815 and 1848, when the political tendencies of absolutism once again prevailed, although outwardly characterised by peace. This era was therefore characterised by a return to domesticity and a retreat into nature and the past.
Typical for antique Biedermeier necklaces are chains of uniformly arranged links in combination with a large centre ornament in rocaille or cartouche form. Antique necklaces from this period are richly decorated with flowers and volutes. In order to make such elaborate designs affordable, jewellery was pressed from thin sheet gold (foam gold).A little bit of everything: Historicist necklaces
About 1850, the era of historicism began, in which an unprecedented pluralism of styles developed. The focus was once again on the past, but created space for a large number of historical trends and their defining stylistic elements, which were eclectically combined with one another.
The jewellery fashion of historicism is therefore versatile: alongside neo-baroque necklaces with their floral garlands, there were neo-Gothic designs inspired by the Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages.
The never-ending enthusiasm for antiquity led to gold and silver necklaces in archaeological style with finely granulated surfaces.
The representatives of the Neo-Renaissance created, among other things, figurative antique ruby necklaces in the most magnificent designs, which were richly decorated with pearls and other coloured stones.
The dawn of a new century: The Art Nouveau style
Historicism came to an end with Art Nouveau. For the first time, an original design language was postulated. Throughout Europe, inspiration was sought in the flora and fauna of foreign and domestic cultures and these impressions were combined in antique necklaces characterised by organic, flowing elements. Colourful enamelled flowers, water motifs, animals and insects were omnipresent.
Antique Art Nouveau necklaces are characterised by their almost fairy-tale design and were preferably made of silver and yellow gold.Galas, glamour and jewellery: Art Deco
World War I can be seen as a turning point for all artistic trends. What followed were years of hardship, characterised by inflation and poverty. An economic upturn did not occur until the 1920s as industrialisation progressed. Art Deco was already at its peak in the Roaring Twenties. Abstract jewellery designs were created from strictly geometric, puristically cool elements that stood in stark contrast to the floral excesses of the past. Mainly white metals were set with diamonds and complemented with contrasting coloured stones. The antique diamond necklaces of Art Deco were mainly worn long; antique emerald necklaces with tassels or long pearl necklaces became the favourite accessory of emancipated women.
Antique necklaces at the Halsbandaffaire
The history of antique necklaces was never linear and was characterised by a wide variety of influences over the centuries. At Halsbandaffaire, we revive historical craftsmanship and the esprit of days gone by and offer you a small piece of wearable history with our antique necklaces.