This is an absolutely stunning find. Vintage Panetta from the 1980's, it is in perfect condition. I would say that it's never been worn. It is featured in the book, "The Best of Costume Jewelry" by Nancy N. Schiffer. The choker has one large faux amethyst center stone surrounded by pave crystals and above are a row of baguettes. There are three identical links on either side that mirror the middle. The chain is a beautiful gold plate, and would be an incredible piece for any collection.

Benedetto Panetta founded the jewelry company bearing his surname in New York in 1945. He got his start as a fine jeweler in Italy working with karat gold and platinum. After immigrating to the United States, he worked for Trifari in the 1930s as a model maker and was employed later by Pennino Brothers before opening his own costume jewelry business.

Panetta’s goal was to make jewelry with a “real” look, so many pieces closely imitate fine jewelry. Their lines sold for good sums when they were new, and production runs were kept small making this a desirable name among jewelry collectors today although not extremely plentiful (especially when it comes to early pieces) in the secondary marketplace. Styles changed over the decades to keep up with the latest fashion trends, but the quality of this brand’s wares remained high.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in San Antonio, Texas.