Another fabulous jewel spotted in Washington this month. This one was made for one of Cartier's best American clients, Marjorie Merriweather Post, in the 1930s when the fashion was for wearing low-backed evening gowns with a fabulous back drop necklace. In this case the 4-stranded natural pearl necklace made by Cartier New York in 1936 had the most jaw-dropping diamond back. Love it. You can see how it was worn by Post at one of her famous Hillwood dinner parties in the second image.
In the 1960s Post had this necklace altered, changing the natural pearls for cultured pearls. Not sure why, perhaps she had the natural pearls made into other necklaces for her daughters.
Having written about this piece in my book, it was really special to see it close up at the Fragile Beauty exhibition @hillwoodmuseum, thank you to super-knowledgeable curator @wzeisler for showing me around. Really recommend checking out the exhibition if you're anywhere near Washington – it's all about the wonders of the sea so includes some fantastic pearls, among other wonderful pieces. Also such fun to wander around Hillwood (Post's Washington residence), feels like stepping back in time to a very glamorous age.
And any thoughts on this necklace? Think we should bring back the whole back necklace vibe?
Cartier natural pearl necklace detail
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