In 1910, Gabrielle Chanel, known as Coco, opens a hat boutique at 21 rue Cambon under the name Chanel Modes. Her hats were worn by well-known French actresses of the era, and helped build her reputation as she quickly expands into clothing and accessories. In 1918, Chanel purchases the building at 31 rue Cambon and sets up her Couture House there. The 31 building housed a boutique, salons and workshops, a layout that remains the same today. This extraordinary necklace was purchased at the flagship store in Paris specifically for the Nichols Auction.
The necklace is officially described as made of Metal, Resin, Glass Pearls & Strass, but those words do not do justice to this rare and unique item. Each side of the strand features the iconic interlocking "C", one in sparkling blue, the other centered on a blue heart trimmed in gold. Gold buttons, embossed with either stars or a repeated "Chanel" are intermittent between the pearl-like beads. Three inches of larger circles allow the lobster clasp to slightly adjust the length (38" maximum), with a dangling interlocking "C" charm at the end.
Chanel produces few of the long necklaces and they are difficult to obtain in the US. It's unlikely that this very special piece has ever been offered outside of Paris.
