It is a "tribute to" the famous Marseille abacus. A collection that pays homage to the city where the Charlet brand was born and to a 19th century tradition of belonging and transmission. A bit of history*... In the 18th century, it was the partisans (market vendors) who, without knowing it, started this tradition. As a financial investment, they bought gold balls of various sizes according to their income, which they kept on them maintained by a thread. The thread being fragile, they took the habit of linking the balls by a gold mesh. In the following century, the custom took hold of the Marseilles bourgeoisie. Besides, outside the city, the Marseilles women recognized each other by wearing this symbol. As a legacy of this tradition, at the birth of a daughter, the parents opened a "list" at their jeweler's that family and friends completed over time on special occasions, by purchasing the famous golden balls. Generally, around the girl's sixteenth birthday, all the balls needed to make the necklace were purchased and the necklace made by the jeweler. With time, the price of gold falling in contrast to that of the mesh, it became customary to acquire a necklace already made. More delicate and graceful than the traditional necklace, with its forçat chain dotted with gold pearls, Massilia is a bit of this tradition to be worn close to oneself. The collection is also available in a children's version.
Metal |
18-carat yellow gold (750 thousandths) |
Average metal weight (in g) |
5,30 |
Length |
42,5cm |