Description
Striking Vintage 1989 FRANKLIN MINT Gold Tone Plated Over Sterling Silver Nephrite Green Jade Year of the Horse Necklace by Chinese Artist Mei Lin Li Here's a necklace for high-spirited, energetic individuals a 22 karat yellow gold plated over Sterling Silver, Jade & Bronze Horse necklace celebrating the 7th sign in the Chinese zodiac, by famous collectibles manufacturer The Franklin Mint. This necklace, designed by Chinese artist Mei-lin Li, was made in 1989 for the following year, 1990, a Year of the Horse. Mei-lin Li, one of China's most celebrated young artists, has captured the richness & imagination of the mystical Far East in The Year of the Horse Necklace. This spectacular jewelry design has been created especially to celebrate 1990, the Chinese lunar year dedicated to the wisdom, purity & intelligence of the horse. The large, powerful horses of China were first depicted in Chinese sculpture during the Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.). Having been introduced from central Asia, these horses were thought to be heavenly creatures & became a popular subject of artists of the day. This graceful style of art was the inspiration for the bronze horse that adorns this necklace. The Central Medallion perfectly complements the sculptured horse design & is suspended from a unique chain of Vermeil Beads & Genuine Jade rings. This necklace has been created with the quality & craftsmanship for which The Franklin Mint is famous. The Chinese zodiac has a 12-year cycle. Years prior to 1990 with the same sign include 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, & 1978; years thereafter include 2002 & 2014. The next Year of the Horse is 2026. It is a striking design, with the green oxidized horse, happily prancing, a high-relief center against the backdrop of a 22-k gold over Sterling Silver Medallion etched with fine lines that mimic intricate Chinese designs. The Medallion measures 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" & is flanked by graduated links of Genuine Jade rings & smaller Gold Vermeil beads. The Center Medallion, Jade rings, & smaller Vermeil Bead links occupy 7 1/4" of the entire length, which is 16 1/2". The rest of the necklace has a beautiful textured chain. The necklace has a fold-over clasp. It is marked 'Sterling,' & '1989 FM' (for Franklin Mint), & 'Sterling .925' at the base of the Medallion. It is in overall excellent condition. The oxidized horse is fantastic, as is the rich gold hue of the links. The Medallion & chain links have some patina as a result of a special antiquing process applied during creation of the necklace, giving the necklace its vintage appearance. The necklace is in its original Franklin Mint Gift Box, & Certificate of Authenticity. For more beautiful sparkle of vintage fine diamond & gemstone jewelry please see our "Diamond Jewelry" Shop Section: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lizystuff?section_id=11980605 Thank you so much for looking, good luck & enjoy shopping at lizystuff on Etsy.com. Have Fun Ladies Cheers! XoXo 1989 Franklin Mint 22K Gold Plated
