Antique Victorian "French Jet" Festoon Sautoir Circa: 1860–1890

Antique Victorian "French Jet" Festoon Sautoir

Circa: 1860–1890
Style: Victorian Mourning / Gothic Revival

Description

A magnificent example of late 19th-century Victorian mourning jewelry, this exceptionally long sautoir necklace features a delicate, multi-strand bib or "festoon" centerpiece. The necklace is composed of hand-linked, faceted black glass (historically known as "French Jet"), showcasing a variety of geometric cuts including marquise, teardrop, and round beads.

The centerpiece is an intricate, interlaced web of beads that creates a dramatic "falling" effect when worn. The length of the necklace suggests it was designed as a long-strand sautoir, intended to be worn draped over the bodice or doubled over for a layered effect. Each bead is meticulously faceted to catch the light with a subtle, dark brilliance typical of the era’s aesthetic.

Features

• Design: A "webbed" bib center with dangling teardrop pendants and graduated swags.

• Material: Faceted black glass (French Jet) on original brass or blackened wire links.

• Construction: Classic hand-linked assembly, characteristic of mid-to-late Victorian craftsmanship.

• Length: Extra-long "flapper" or sautoir style (rare for this level of intricate detail).