This is a rare swallow theme bridal necklace of gold plated silver and diamonds from the Minangkebau people of Sumatra. It is hard to date precisely but most probably it is from the '20s or '30's. The workmanship is superb and the design is delicate and beautifully balanced,
The swallow motif symbolic of faithful love and a safe return home.
In the center medallion there is a main stone, a rose cut diamond surrounded by seven smaller stones. Each bird is set with four small gemstones and there are an additional twelve diamonds set into the rosettes along the necklace and in the pendants.
You can read more about rose cut diamonds and the Minangkebau culture in my musings blog.