Vintage Hobé Triple-Strand Czech Picasso Glass Necklace
An exceptional vintage signed Hobé triple-strand necklace, showcasing an exquisite combination of Czech Picasso-finish glass, rich plum and lavender tones, jet-black accents, and luminous aurora borealis crystals.
This beautifully composed necklace reflects the artistry and distinctive design sensibility associated with Hobé, one of the most collectible names in American vintage costume jewelry.
Three graduated strands feature individually hand-wired glass beads in a sophisticated palette of deep purple, smoky lavender, charcoal, and black. The distinctive oval Czech pressed-glass beads reveal subtle variations in color, with beautiful lavender and plum coloration along their edges and darker, opaque black table-cut centers.
Their unusual Picasso-style finish creates remarkable visual depth, giving the glass an almost painterly appearance.
Interspersed throughout the composition are sparkling pink aurora borealis faceted crystals, which introduce delicate flashes of rose, violet, and iridescent light.
Black japanned fluted bead caps and decorative spacers provide contrast and definition, emphasizing the intricate construction and richly layered arrangement.
The necklace is finished with silver-tone hardware and an original decorative clasp bearing the HOBÉ signature. The reverse of the clasp is plain silver-tone metal, without rhinestone embellishment.
An original 3½-inch extension chain provides adjustable length while preserving the necklace’s authentic vintage construction.
Design & Details
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Designer: Hobé — signed
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Estimated Era: 1950s–1960s
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Style: Triple-strand graduated statement necklace
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Materials: Czech Picasso-finish pressed glass, faceted aurora borealis crystals, silver-tone metal
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Glass Colors: Plum purple, lavender, charcoal, and opaque black
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Crystal Accents: Pink and violet iridescent AB crystals
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Bead Details: Oval pressed-glass beads with distinctive dark table-cut centers and purple-toned edges
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Spacers: Black japanned fluted bead caps and decorative accents
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Construction: Individually hand-wired beads arranged in three graduated strands
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Closure: Original signed HOBÉ decorative clasp
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Hardware: Silver-tone metal with age-appropriate patina
Measurements
Inner Strand: Approximately 16 inches
Original Extender: Approximately 3½ inches
Maximum Adjustable Length: Approximately 19½ inches
Three graduated strands create a beautifully layered presentation, with the outer strands falling progressively below the inner strand.
Vintage Condition
Excellent vintage condition.
The necklace retains its original decorative components, with no missing glass beads or crystals observed. The hand-wired construction remains secure, and the signed clasp is functional.
The silver-tone hardware displays subtle age-appropriate patina consistent with its vintage character.
The varied glass finishes, distinctive purple coloration, and iridescent crystal accents remain beautifully preserved.
Collector’s Note
Hobé jewelry has long been appreciated for its intricate construction, distinctive materials, and richly detailed designs.
This particular necklace is especially appealing for its unusual Czech Picasso-finish glass beads, sophisticated purple-and-black color palette, individually wired construction, and original signed hardware.
The interplay between the opaque dark centers, lavender-toned glass edges, and shimmering AB crystals creates an exceptionally nuanced composition.
A remarkable example of mid-century costume jewelry craftsmanship, this necklace is a compelling addition to a thoughtfully curated vintage jewelry collection.
