Ida's Precious Necklace, From Titanic Jewelry Collection

Rhodium Plated Brass Round Pearl Simulant With Man-made Crystal Necklace. Measures Approximately 30"l X 7/16"w.



Ida Straus was born February 6, 1849 in Germany. She was married to Isidor Strauss, a German-American businessman and co-owner of Macy's department store. Ida and her husband wintered in Cap Martin, a small resort in the Riviera, then traveled to the Holy Land and spent time in Jerusalem. This couple always traveled together, but on occasion Mr. Straus would travel alone on business. While he was away, the couple often exchanged letters daily. They had seven children together. On April 10, 1912, Ida and Isidor boarded the Titanic from Southampton with their maid Miss Ellen Bird and manservant John Farthing. Isidor and Ida Straus were seen standing near Lifeboat No. 8 in the company of Mrs. Straus's maid, Ellen Bird. Although the officer in charge of the lifeboat was willing to allow the elderly couple to board the lifeboat with Miss Bird, Isidor Straus refused to go as long as there were women and children still remaining on the ship. He urged his wife to board, but she refused, saying, "We have lived together for many years. Where you go, I go." Her words were witnessed by those already in Lifeboat No. 8 as well as many others who were on the boat deck at the time. Once Ida made this decision she gave her fur coat to her maid Miss Bird and the couple truly in love was last seen alive sitting together quietly on deck chairs on Titanic's boat deck.

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