A sautoir is a French term for a long chain or necklace that is worn on the chest. The name itself derives from the word "sauter," which means "to jump", likely in reference to how the beads on the necklace seem to jump and move as the person wearing it walks around.
Sautoirs date back centuries. They were first popularized in the 18th century by French aristocrats who wore them as status symbols. At the time, they were often made with expensive materials like gold, silver, and pearls. Their popularity eventually spread to other parts of Europe and the rest of the world. In the early 1900s, beaded sautoirs became all the rage in America, especially with the flapper girls of the Art Deco era. Multipurpose adaptability was a feature built into much of the jewelry of the 1920s and 30s and sautoirs were no exception - worn as necklaces long or coiled short as chokers, or even as multi-coiled bracelets, they remain versatile and staple pieces.
This beautifully detailed early 20th century sautoir measures 32.75" long and is crafted in 18k gold, marked "750" for 18k gold on both the clasp and first loop. The chain weighs 25.4g. You will receive the pictured chain.
* This listing is for the chain only.
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