165 - A Regina Basha 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Gemstone Necklace, Iraq, Early 20th Century

A Regina Basha 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Gemstone Necklace, Iraq, Early 20th Century Designed as flower shaped elements alternating with trapezoid elements, all decorated with filigree and woven with seed pearls centered by colored gemstone. Suspended from a 14K yellow gold chain. Gold acid tested; the chain marked. Total weight: 49 gr; length: 40 cm Notes: Regina Basha, a Jewish jewelry designer, was active in Basra and Baghdad during the first half of the 20th century. Her clients, members of the social elite, would make their purchases over a cup of tea (stikan chai) in the salon of her home in Basra. Her jewelry reveals a distinctive style, reflecting the influence of Indian goldsmithing, with which she became acquainted early in her career, as well as the Armenian and French jewelry traditions she encountered on visits to Beirut and Damascus, alongside designs popular in Iraq. A similar piece was shown in an exhibition of her work held at the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center. Condition: For a condition report, please contact office@alma.auction. All items are sold as is, and buyers are responsible for checking condition before bidding. The absence of condition notes does not imply good condition.