Marella Agnelli Necklace
To all-
I am going to start sending a story or a bit of history about a piece of jewelry when I see or handle something that resonates with me and I feel is worth learning about. I believe knowledge is power and the very best jewelry client and collector is an educated one. I will say if watching paint dry would be preferable to getting these diatribes from me—let me know and I will be sure to not include you in the future—no offense taken!
What feels to me close to the dawn of time I cut a photo out of Women’s Wear Daily (when it was a newspaper!) of Gianni Agnelli’s (of Fiat fame) wife Marella wearing an extraordinary ruby, emerald, and pearl long torsade necklace. Very much a “signature” piece for her, she was often photographed wearing it. She was a lovely stately woman with that amazing grace and style Italian women possess.
The necklace was purchased as a gift for Mrs. Agnelli from the Gem Palace in India as part of an exceptional collection of polished ruby beads. I never met a ruby I didn’t like and this necklace—which I first saw more than 40 years ago—spoke to me and I cut that picture out of WWD and kept it. Little did I know that a second necklace was assembled at the same time and that all these years later I would have it.
Not for the faint of heart it is a powerful colorful important necklace that is both a bit Bohemian and casual and yet demands your attention. It does break into two necklaces to be more casual—seems a contrast in terms to me! I look at this lovely thing and think of all the style and grace that Mrs. Agnelli had and it still touches something in me today as much as many years ago when I first saw it. Great jewelry does that.
Until next time-warm regards-
Warren Lagerloef