Necklace
Marcus & Co.
(American, 1892–1941)
1900
Medium/TechniqueGold, opal, diamond (1.65 carats), demantoid garnet (1.5 carats), enamel
DimensionsDiameter: 21.6 cm (8 1/2 in.)
Credit LineGift of Barbara L. and Theodore B. Alfond
Accession number2020.556
On View
Not on viewClassificationsJewelry / Adornment
DescriptionDuring the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, Marcus & Co. rivaled Tiffany & Co. as a leading American retailer of fine jewelry. Showcasing jewelry with a wide range of styles and influences, the firm’s work demonstrates the diverse tastes of American consumers. This necklace, made around 1900, is a strong example of the eclecticism seen in the jewelry retailed by Marcus & Co. Its combination of materials, design, and craftsmanship references the quintessential markers of the firm. For example, the colors of the opal are beautifully mirrored in the choice of green and blue enamel.
ProvenanceBy 1996, sold by Nelson Rarities, Portland, ME to Barbara and Theodore Alfond, Weston, MA; 2020, gift of Barbara and Theodore Alfond to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 16, 2020)
Late 19th to early 20th century
about 1890–1900
about 1900
Second half 19th century