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Kenneth J. Lane Black Pearl Leopard Necklace & Earrings Set NWS 6-1429 ~ When you think of a pearl, the first color that comes to your mind may be white. But if you lived in Tahiti you might initially think of a dark grayish pearl. In fact, 97% of the world's black pearls come from Tahiti. They're very rare, and they're very expensive. ~ Pearls are formed as the mollusk (oyster) secretes layers of a protective, pearly substance called nacre (pronounced NAY-ker) around an irritant. A determinant of pearl color is the type of host oyster. Judging from the prices of black pearls, pearl connoisseurs find dark gray very appealing. In April 1990, for example, a single strand of 27 black pearls was sold for $880,000 at Sotheby's in New York. This was more than $32,000 per pearl. ~ Most of us will never be able to afford a strand of black pearls. But, thanks to Kenneth J. Lane, we don't have to mortgage our home to wear them! Of course, the ones in this Lane necklace set are made of glass, but they look real. They are a deep, silvery gray, and they are mesmerizing. Each one measures approximately 13 - 14 mm across, and then the last 2 pearls at either end of the necklace are smaller, to make it easier to close. ~ The leopard's head is made of thickly plated, goldtone metal. His face is covered with a deep gray, shimmery enamel, with swirls of lighter gray inside, to make his face look like he has cat "fur". A diamond-studded rondelle balances either side of the leopard. ~ Two faux emerald cabochon crystals denote his eyes, and a double-row of faceted, clear crystals run down his nose to a single stone at the tip. He holds a golden "door knocker" in his mouth, a classical motif. ~ The necklace measures 20" long, and terminates in a golden, barrel clasp. ~ The earrings are clips and contain the same design elements and a touch of Art Deco flare. They measure 1" long. ~ Signed "K. J. L. for Avon"on an oval plaque on the reverse of both the necklace and earrings. c. 1975, in excellent condition! Price = $165.00 k-p 2, sets 2 Who was Lane? |
