James Bond fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when Casino Royale arrived on the big screen in 2006. While there had been some controversy when Daniel Craig was announced as the new James Bond toward the end of 2005, the completed film, by Goldeneye director Martin Campbell, turned out to be the best James Bond film in many years; at least since The Living Daylights, or the very early days of Sean Connery.
In going back to the Ian Fleming source material, albeit updated, the producers and director created an unexpected critical and commercial success. And one of the things that helped propel it to such success was the strong cast, including Eva Green as Vesper Lynd.
The character of Vesper in the original novel is initially quite cool toward Bond, although not openly hostile as she is in the movie. However, just like in the film, she soon warms to 007 and they fall in love. Unfortunately Bond later finds out that she deceived him and she has been working as a double agent all along.
While it was never mentioned in the book, the screen version of Vesper wears an Algerian Love Knot necklace throughout. it consists of three metal tubes that have been interlinked, flattened and decorated in precious metals. When Bond finally realises what it is he concludes that it was a gift from a lover; he later meets her ex-lover in the 2008 follow up, Quantum of Solace.
The original necklace was designed by Sophie Harley especially for the film and as a hand made masterpiece is prohibitively expensive for most Bond fans; it is a lovely piece of work though.
Luckily budget Bonds and Bond girls can own an item of jewelry that is based on the original for a fraction of the price. Cast in a single piece there is a budget Algerian Love Knot available that doesn't match the original necklace but is an approximation of the original. While an approximation of the original it can still make a nice gift for a would be Bond girl. Let's hope she doesn't turn out to be a double agent like the original Vesper Lynd.
