Pink Opal Rose Quartz Pearl Necklace with Zanfirico Venetian Glass Heart

A fantastic limited edition 24K 1-1/2" Zanfirico* puffed heart is the focal point of this luxurious collar glowing with pink opal, rose quartz, pink freshwater pearls, rare rose gold petal pearls, 24K plated Swarovski crystals and a 14K cast spiral toggle clasp from years ago (now worth as much as the whole necklace)

*Zanfirico Venetian glass is named after Antonio Sanquirico who in 1830 persuaded several master glassmakers to reproduce ancient filigree glass objects he owned. The results were so splendid that they were originally sold as antiques. Today, Zanfirico is one of the most prized and technically difficult forms of Venetian glass to produce. It is a complex multi-step process requiring artistry and patience. First glass canes with multiple spirals of color twisted into diamond-like patterns are created in large furnaces. The artist then cuts the canes into slices which, along with millefiore slices containing random patterns of small flowers, are applied for surface decoration of the bead. Finally a 24K gold foil exterior is added. This is all done by hand and no two beads--including each side-- are exactly alike.