Vintage Richelieu Faux Pearl Necklace w/ Leaf Clasp & Teardrop Accent

This is a vintage Richelieu necklace. Maker • The stamp reads “RICHELIEU”, a well-known American costume jewelry brand. • Richelieu specialized in faux pearls and elegant designs, starting in the 1910s and continuing strongly through the mid-20th century. They were one of the first U.S. companies to use high-quality imitation pearls, often made from glass with a pearlized coating. Style & Era • The necklace features a strand of imitation pearls with a distinctive silver-toned clasp shaped like a leaf, holding a large teardrop pearl. • This clasp design is very characteristic of 1950s–1970s Richelieu jewelry, when organic, nature-inspired clasps were popular. • The pearls are likely hand-knotted between each bead, which was a common feature in higher-quality Richelieu pieces. Materials • The pearls are simulated (glass-based with a pearl coating). • The clasp is likely silver-plated or rhodium-plated base metal, not sterling. Richelieu pieces were known for good plating that has lasted well. Collectability & Value • Richelieu jewelry is sought after by collectors of mid-century costume jewelry, especially the pearl strands with elaborate clasps. • The clasp design (with the teardrop pearl and leaf motif) makes this a bit more collectible than standard Richelieu strands. Vintage Richelieu Faux Pearl Necklace w/ Leaf Clasp & Teardrop Accent ✨ Hashtags: #Richelieu #VintageJewelry #PearlNecklace #BridalJewelry #MidCenturyStyle #ClassicElegance #StatementClasp