Barbara Anton’s designs often reflected her appreciation for pearls, which she admired for their natural elegance and versatility. In this exquisite necklace, irregularly shaped pearls in soft pastel hues are the centerpiece, their organic forms enhanced by Anton’s masterful design. Tendrils of textured gold weave through the clusters, adding a dynamic contrast to the pearls’ subdued luster. Many of the pearls are anchored by rough-headed gold nuggets, while faceted diamonds provide a brilliant sparkle that elevates the composition. This necklace exemplifies Anton’s commitment to creating wearable art, with intricate details extending to its reverse side, which is hinged in multiple parts to ensure it rests gracefully and comfortably on the wearer. By the mid-1960s, pearls had transitioned from the simple strands popularized by fashion icons like Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and Jacqueline Kennedy to bold, innovative designs such as this. A staunch advocate for affordable cultured pearls, Anton’s creativity and skill garnered her numerous accolades, including awards from the Cultured Pearl Associations of America and Japan. This particular piece received the highest honors for outstanding design, cementing her legacy as a pioneer of modern pearl jewelry. (24.8 x 18.4 x 2.5 cm)