Ivory Necklace

Pink poppies on a pale ivory field, and a rope of pastel beads twisted like taffy.

This necklace dates to the 19th century and is carved and painted ivory. Carved ivory ornaments with floral motifs were popular in many parts of the world in this period, the soft surface well suited to shallow relief. The central plaque is a rounded oblong carved with blossoms and leaves, tinted in faint pink and green. It hangs from many strands of tiny beads, lavender, pale yellow, pink and blue, twisted together into a thick soft rope that sits close at the neck.

Pretty, and entirely aware of it.