An extraordinary piece of wearable history, this antique old cut diamond lariat necklace is a masterful reimagining of Belle Époque elegance. Originally part of a grand French jewel belonging to an elderly Parisian lady, the original piece had gone unworn for decades and required delicate restoration. In honour of its legacy, we transformed it into a series of refined, contemporary heirlooms—this necklace being the centrepiece.
Composed of 156 original old cut diamonds in their authentic platinum settings, the design celebrates femininity with a fluid, body-following silhouette. A unique mixed-cut arrangement—featuring both round and exceptionally rare old cut pear diamonds—creates captivating dimension and movement. The round stones are intricately set in milgrain bezels, while the pears retain their original claw settings, preserving their antique integrity.
The dramatic lariat drop, which adds 49mm to the 16.5-inch chain, features an estimated 3.75–4 carats of diamonds. At its end is a breathtaking 1.50ct F/G colour, VS1 clarity pear-shaped diamond, complemented by a 1.75ct pear of G/H colour and VS2/SI1 clarity at the Y-join. The total diamond weight is approximately 19 carats, with clarity grades ranging from VS1 to SI2. As expected with antique stones, some of the smallest diamonds show minor nibbles under magnification—charming reminders of their storied past.
Engineered for seamless sophistication, the necklace features a hidden clasp and discreet platinum safety chain, ensuring both aesthetic purity and secure wear. Its flexible construction moves effortlessly with the body, and the beautifully faceted old cuts—featuring large open culets, high tables, and wide, chunky crowns—ignite with brilliance under even the softest light.
As an added touch of heritage, this necklace is presented in a leather and suede jewellery case by the renowned French maison Chaumet. While we found no maker's marks to confirm the original jewel as a Chaumet creation, this was the case in which the original masterpiece was received, further adding to its romantic provenance.
Whether worn alone for statement-making elegance or layered for an edgier neck stack, this lariat is a true conversation piece. We’ve reserved a small selection of the original diamonds should you wish to extend the length, please contact us for bespoke enquiries.
A rare and poetic treasure for the collector who values antique craftsmanship, French provenance, and timeless beauty.
