CELIA SEBIRI Vintage African Ivory, Angelskin Coral and Gray Marblized Agate Beaded Torsade
Set with a Brass Inlaid Clasp of a Solid Block of Polished African Ivory
Several strands are Hand Knotted
with etched Signature on back of Clasp dated c. 1970's

If I had only ONE Accessory to update my wardrobe
Beaded Necklaces are hotter now, than they were when this was made!!!

Celia Sebiri, was one of the first "NAME" artisans of 20th Century Fashion Jewelry.
She was the Stephen Dweck of the 1960's, 1970's and into the 1980's,
and certainly one of the first Women designers
to play an important role in taking fashion a step further into STYLE!

Here is a Torsade Necklace made of an assortment of strands of beads
African Ivory, Small Round Angelskin Coral, and a Marblized pale Gray Agate.
All, but the Coral strands are hand-knotted between each bead,
the same way fine pearls are strung.
Even the coloration of the knotting matches the color of the beads themselves.
This finishing detail enhances the graceful way the necklace falls when worn.
There is no stiffness to the strands.
There are TWELVE(12) strands
16 3/4" of beads ranging from 3 to 7mm.
All of the beads have beautiful markings and striations.
Can be worn with clasp in front, back or on the side.

The Clasp is structured in Brass with a center single stone of monumental African Ivory with lots of dimension.
The shape is a Trapezoid or Trapezium with rounded corners.
It is a deep flat stone that has been rounded to a high polish.
It is 2 1/4" x 2" and 5/8" deep (in addition to the 16 3/4" beaded strands).
Total length is approximately 18 3/4" which can be twisted or worn a variety of ways.
CELIA SEBIRI signature is lightly scratched into the back of the clasp.
The signature is almost impossible to see,
We have left the brass unpolished - if we polish too much,
the signature will disappear entirely.
EXCELLENT Vintage Condition, c. 1970's, some surface scratching on back of clasp, as expected for an item of this age.
With welding of hooks as this was made.
The antiqueness of the brass adds to the charm of the patina.

SEBIRI was famous for her intricate play of shape and color.
Her specialty was a Torsade (twisted strands) design featuring variegated semi-precious beads,
sometimes combined with crystals or pearls
brought together with a hand-made clasp.
The closures are backed by brass or Sterling with an unusual double hook fastener.
The Metal houses a "Slice" of the stones integral to the torsade,
surrounded by tiers of Micro-Mosaic semi precious stones framing the center.
The assemblage of her clasps are reminiscent of the Italian Pietra Dura.

Sebiri was a colorist of genius proportions.
Her work remains a distinctive style that is both subtle and dramatic.
This torsade design has been "re-invented" by many Contemporary Jewelers,
both precious and costume including Chanel and Seaman Schepps.
But, Sebiri reached a pinnacle during her era specializing in Semi-Precious combinations, all executed by hand.

Her work was featured at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Martha's, Amen Wardy, and several other stores of that caliber.
No two pieces were identical.
Even in the 1960's,
her necklaces were enormously expensive.

For the Woman who puts her own stamp on
FASHION and turns it into STYLE!
To be TREASURED & ENJOYED,
Both a Collectible and a Status Symbol!

For daytime or an evening out, it is always RIGHT!
It will make a fabulous Statement Accessory to your wardrobe
And your own SIGNATURE Piece of Jewelry
A truly elegant Woman is judged by her Shoes, her Handbag, her Jewelry, and perhaps her Manicure
Wearable all year round!