Designed by Frank Hess for Miriam Haskell, this 2 row baroque pearl necklace has a double rosette centrepiece at the front, encrusted with seed pearls and rose montes pastes, with gilded leaf detail. A lovely length, and beautiful example of early Miriam Haskell. Miriam Haskell was born in 1899, opening her first boutique near the McAlpin Hotel in New York in 1924 with the title ‘Miriam Haskell – le Bijou de l’Heure’, selling unusual, handmade pieces, when others were fascinated with machine made pieces. A contemporary of Coco Chanel, Haskell also incorporated sophisticated French components and craftsmanship, using glass from both Gripoix and Rousselet in Paris. Her characteristic celebrated ‘baroque’ (unevenly shaped) pearls came from the Far East and were made exclusively for her, composing some of the most creative and distinguished designs of the 20th Century. Although not a designer herself, she was a v canny businesswoman who knew how to get the very best out of her designers. Her most extraordinary pieces were designed by Frank Hess and, later, Robert F. Clark, to be followed by Larry Vrba and Connie Petronio. Miriam Haskell died in 1981, having created a hugely successful and lasting business.