Vintage 1940s Siam Silver Nielloware Necklace

Vintage 1940s Nielloware silver necklace from Siam (Thailand). The necklace features dancing figures set in sterling silver on Niello, The dancing figures are from Buddist and Hindu tales. This stunning necklace is stunning in quality, it is heavy in weight and sits comfortably on the necklace. Every part of this necklace is beautifully ornate and well made.

 

On the back of the bracelet it is marked 'Siam Sterling'. The necklace secure with an ornate push box clasp.

 

This special type of black colouring technique dates back 3000 years, it is unknown where this technique originated from but it was used in Egypt, Cyprus, Syria and Thailand. Niello is a metal alloy usually a mixture of silver, copper, lead and sulfur. Highly trained artisan carve out the metal so it has a raised border and character, the hollow area is filled with the niello compound and heated.

 

Siam sterling silver jewellery was manufactured from the 1930s to the 1980s. In 1939 Siam officially changed its name to Thailand and it was changed back to Siam in 1945 and once again back to Thailand in 1949.

 

ERA

Vintage, 1940s / 1950s

 

HALLMARKS

Siam, Sterling

 

MEASUREMENTS

The necklace measures 40.5cm / 15.9" in length, with a drop of 4cm / 1.6".

 

WEIGHT

36.5g

 

CONDITION

The necklace is in excellent vintage condition.

 

SKU

1406