A wonderful Summery, Mediterranean coloured graduated glass bead necklace made for `Valentino' in the famous Murano glassworks. The famous V is resplendent on the clear paste and gilt robust clasp. Valentino Garavani was born in Northern Italy in 1932. Arguably the greatest Italian couturier, he was long feted by the rich and famous starting with Jackie Kennedy in 1964. He learnt his trade in Paris during the 1950s and returned to Italy and defined his signature red dress which became his trademark. Always a purveyor of high glamour, his parings with stellar jewellery designers Coppola e Toppo, Ugo Correani in Italy meant the jewellery was as intensely spectacular as his suits and gowns. Valentino probably invented the form of power dressing for which the 80s were known in the late 70s and his jewellery from the 1960s onwards was experimental but never short on red carpet opulence. Valentino finally retired in 2008 and his company endures all be it with a softer more modern casualness, very cutting edge and highly crafted.