French Georgian malachite cameo, diamond and pearl necklace, ca. 1798-1809. Comprised of 18 finely carved malachite cameos depicting scenes of cupid. Each cameo set in a yellow gold frame. The center cameo larger than the rest. Each cameo alternately spaced by at rose cut diamond set in a silver collet (eight total) or a pearl (eight total). A well made box clasp set with a cameo of the same size and shape as the other elements. French rooster head hallmark (used for small gold objects between July 19, 1798 and August 31, 1809) on the clasp link. A similar example resides in the Museum of London. Malachite was prized during the Georgian period and very rare. It was primarily mined in Russia and controlled by the Imperial family.
Length: 16 3/4 in. Gross weight: 37.2 grams.

Cracks or minor loses to nine of the cameos. Some accretions, wear to the pearls. All elements appear to be well attached.