Long Necklaces

Long necklaces: a long line to structure the neck

At Castafiore, a sautoir necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry. It's a line that complements the silhouette and subtly redefines the neckline. Our collection brings together antique and pre-owned sautoir necklaces, selected for their style, their chain, and the quality of their craftsmanship. A sautoir is worn long, sometimes doubled, sometimes with a pendant that adds rhythm to the chain. Some pieces feature an engraved plaque, a vintage medallion, or a gemstone pendant. Others favor the pure lines of a delicate chain. These sautoir necklaces introduce motifs that are rarely seen today, lending a unique allure to an outfit. This is the appeal of pre-owned fine jewelry: rediscovering rare pieces, designed for the woman who appreciates understated and timeless elegance.

All our jewelry is authenticated and appraised to ensure the fairest price. Each product page describes the chain, material, and condition. You choose a necklace, not just an image, with the guarantee of a secure digital certificate and careful delivery within France.

Necklace, origin and key periods

The word sautoir refers to a long, chained necklace that often falls below the bust. Its modern origins date back to the Belle Époque and then Art Deco. French workshops at that time favored elongated lines and regular rhythms. In the 1920s, the sautoir became a style statement. Women wore it in multiple strands with cultured pearls and gold chains. The key was to let the length flow naturally, creating a double loop when the outfit called for it. During these decades, sautoirs were also made of coral, agate, chalcedony, and carnelian, sometimes punctuated with an old-cut diamond or a sapphire. Later, jewelry houses explored variations in white gold and platinum, with very clean, geometric links. The sautoir has transcended the decades without losing its function: to lengthen the silhouette and add movement. It remains a women's necklace, easy to wear, capable of updating a little black dress or a white shirt. This memory of the gesture, this French and Parisian origin, still conditions the style that we defend.

Materials, stones and mesh: a grammar at the service of style

A sautoir necklace's defining characteristic is its chain. A fine curb chain offers stability. Venetian or curb links provide a smooth, even look. A coffee bean chain adds a vintage touch. Yellow gold lends a warm presence. White gold offers graphic clarity. Rose gold adds a contemporary softness. Rhodium-plated silver is perfect for a crisp, fresh look. Platinum ensures exceptional durability. Stainless steel can be suitable for everyday wear when paired with a heirloom pendant, but our selection prioritizes precious metals.

The stones set the tone. White diamonds for a crisp light. Sapphires for a deep blue. Emeralds for a rich green. Light topazes for luminous transparency. Akoya or freshwater cultured pearls for a vibrant classicism. Coral, agate, carnelian, and chalcedony for a distinctly vintage feel. Some long necklaces feature a teardrop pendant, an antique plaque ready for engraving, a period cross, or a smooth medallion. Other clusters of gemstones are typical of the 1960s and 1970s. Each necklace is inspected: hallmarks verified, settings examined, and carat weight assessed without ever exaggerating the effect. You will find this information on the product page, along with the origin, period, material, and style.

Length defines the silhouette. A simple sautoir necklace adds dynamism to a straight coat. A double-layered sautoir necklace sits at the nape of the neck and cascades down. A very long model can be tied across the chest. A sautoir in white silver pairs well with a colored gemstone pendant. A sautoir in yellow gold complements a cream palette. A rose gold model harmonizes with warm skin tones. The choice depends less on trends than on intended use. Our role is to clearly describe the variations so that the woman making the choice can create her style according to her wardrobe.

Choosing, wearing and passing on: price, sale, care

A long necklace is chosen not only for its design and chain, but also for its intended use. For everyday wear, a curb chain in white gold or silver remains stable and readily accommodates a discreet pendant. For an evening out, a long necklace in cultured pearls or antique diamonds makes an immediate statement. Models with gemstones like sapphire or emerald beautifully complement a white collar or a silk dress. Some long necklaces combine gold and platinum and suit even the most understated outfits. Others, adorned with coral or chalcedony, evoke a more radiant spirit.

Long necklaces authenticated by experts

The question of price deserves to be clear. Each necklace offered for sale is priced according to the material, period, rarity, and condition. You are buying a documented, ready-to-wear piece of jewelry. All jewelry is authenticated. A secure digital certificate accompanies the product. Delivery is protected.

Gently care for your long necklace

Maintenance is simple: a long gold or silver necklace can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Abrasive products should be avoided. Cultured pearls are worn frequently and should be cleaned with care. Antique settings warrant occasional inspection.

Castafiore is reviving the long necklaces of yesteryear

Castafiore is a resale house. We work with private collections and professionals. We select, appraise, and photograph each necklace. If you wish to sell a sautoir, we will evaluate the piece, agree on a fair selling price, and present it in our collection.

The buyer finds an authenticated sautoir necklace. The seller enhances the value of a piece of heritage. The process is healthy, and the memory of the jewelry lives on.