This amethyst and rock crystal bead torsade is distinguished by the melon-carved amethyst clasp and the two large melon-carved rock crystal stations that anchor the interwoven strands. “Torsade” is a French term simply meaning twisted that is thought to have entered the fashion vocabulary in the late 19th century. Our example, with its hand- fashioned sterling silver fittings, was probably made in the 1980s when the technique was applied to fashionable necklaces and bracelets. Like most torsade necklaces, ours is designed to be worn as a choker. The effect is meant to be at once contemporary and classicizing. Interest was high during the 1980s in multi-ethnic, ancient Greco-Roman & Silk Road design motifs as well as visual impact and display. This torsade exemplifies all of those fashion trends but remains up to date and comfortable to wear. Condition: Excellent. Size: 16.5".