Eleanor's Edwardian Necklace, From Titanic Jewelry Collection

Rhodium Plated Brass Emerald Cut Onyx Color Glass With Round White Crystal Necklace. Measures Approximately 16"l X 3/4"w With A Fish Hook Clasp.

Rhodium plated brass emerald cut onyx color glass with round white crystal necklace. Measures approximately 16"L x 3/4"W with a fish hook clasp.

Eleanor Widener was a first class passenger of the Titanic. Eleanor and her husband and weren't the richest passengers on board--that honor goes to John Jacob Astor-but were not far behind him. Her husband was the heir to the largest fortune in Philadelphia and, with that, comes a certain social responsibility. Consequently, they were very well known for their lavish parties and enviable guest lists. Eleanor enjoyed collecting silver and porcelains, and said to have owned one of the finest collections of jewels in the world. One item was a strand of pearls said to be worth $500,000 in 1912. Once aboard the Titanic, the Widener's made it a point to meet the right people and invite them to their private parties. Eleanor remarried geographer and explorer Dr. Alexander Hamilton Rice. The couple traveled on several South America expeditions, Europe and India.

Titanic Jewelry Collection

For four magical days, the Titanic's elite passengers reveled in every modern luxury known at the time. During the early part of the 20th century, it was considered quite sophisticated for wealthy families to spend portions of their time in Europe which meant crossing the Atlantic at least once per year. Even to these jaded travelers, the Titanic ship was like no other. Not only was it the most impressive ship of its time draped in every luxury imaginable but so were its passengers. The women of the Titanic would plan for months to bring the right fashionable apparel aboard such a luxurious ship. Along with extensive outfit planning came accessorizing: large hats, mink stoles, gloves and of course, the jewelry. Jewelry of that time was depictive of the Art Nouveau and Edwardian eras. Art Nouveau jewelry was influenced by naturalism involving unusual designs within a symmetrical frame often encompassing foliage, leaves, enamel, pearls, crystals and gemstones. Edwardian designs included more formal jewelry: tiaras, brooches, rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets and sautoir necklaces. Many were set with brilliant gemstones, including diamonds, crystals and of course, pearl. Join JTV as we embark upon a journey of adventure and elegance and mark the 100th year of the Titanic's maiden voyage. Read More