Nina Ricci Pendant Gold Plated Necklace
Nina Ricci Pendant Gold Plated Chain Necklace
- 24k Gold plated
- 38-43cm
- Brand new clasp and chain
Please be mindful that this piece has led a previous life, and may tell its story through minor imperfection. Purchasing this item continues its narrative, so you can be confident that you’re making a positively conscious choice for the planet.
About Nina Ricci
Maria Nielli was born in Turin, Italy, in 1883. She was nicknamed “Nina” (“little girl” in Italian) as a child and remained “Nina” for the rest of her life. Her family moved to France when she was 12 years old, and she became an apprentice to a dressmaker. She was such a masterful seamstress that she became chief designer in her early 20s. In 1904, she married Luigi Ricci, a composer and jewellery designer from Florence, Italy.
Their son, Robert, grew up to be an astute businessman as well as a creative designer with a highly developed sense of beauty. In 1932, he convinced his mother to open her own couture house in Paris. Nina created the fashions; Robert managed the business. It quickly grew from a one-room shop to three buildings. Unlike many similar businesses, the House of Nina Ricci flourished during World War II, expanding to perfume, leather goods and accessories, such as scarves and jewellery.
In 1954, Nina retired and turned the fashion design over to Jules-François Crahay who later turned it over to Gérard Pipart. No matter how many transitions occurred throughout the years, Nina Ricci fashions never wavered in popularity, quality and beauty. When Nina died in 1970, her legacy continued to grow into the exceptional company it is today.
In the early 1980s, Robert met Canadian jewellery designer Maurice Bradden and was impressed with his designs and workmanship. Robert recognised that the jewellery reflected the Nina Ricci image. In 1984, Maurice’s company, D’Orlan Jewellers Ltd., and the House of Nina Ricci became partners. Together, the companies dazzled the jewellery industry with their inventive high-quality plating process of including a 22K triple-plated finish over a pewter base metal that ensured consistency of colour. The jewellery, both costume and precious, was soon sold around the world in Nina Ricci stores and high-end stores and boutiques.