$12,800.00
For over 200 years, Asprey has become a name synonymous with quality and style, having made jewellery for Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Ringo Starr to name a few, as well as making the Ocean necklace that was featured in the movie Titanic, so it is exciting to get a wonderful antique pendant made by Asprey that is as beautiful as it is exquisitely made.
Hand made in the 1870's in 15 carat gold and silver, the reason that silver was used on the top was that it was known that the yellow colour from the yellow gold could artificially tint the diamonds, so often they were set in silver. The reason silver was used instead of white gold or platinum, was that it wasn't until the early 1900's that white gold was invented, and although platinum had already been discovered, there was not the technology to heat the platinum to a sufficient temperature to use it in jewellery at this time.
In the centre is the most beautiful green guilloché enamel. Guilloché enamel is a beautiful decorative technique in which a very precise and repetitive pattern is engraved into an underlying material such as gold or silver and then the enamel applied over the top. After the firing process is completed, it is polished back to a high lustre revealing the engraved pattern below the surface, and even after 150 years have passed since this pendant was made, it is still so wonderfully vibrant and highlighted by a European cut diamond in the centre.
Surrounded by a border of thirty rose cut diamonds, there are a further forty two rose cut diamonds set into that magnificent wreath design that leads to a cluster of more rose cut diamonds and a natural pearl at the bottom.
With an additional thirty two rose cut diamonds at the top, these diamonds come together to total 0.64 carats and they all give off the most wonderful sparkle to catch the light.
The design of this pendant shows just why Asprey are so well regarded, and even after 150 years have passed since it was made, there is no doubt that this is a truly breathtaking piece.
Measuring 18.7mm wide by 52.7mm, astonishingly this pendant also comes with its original fitted box.
This pendant is a true testament to the beauty and quality that Asprey are renowned for.
Stock# EC508
Maker: Asprey
Circa: 1870
$12,800
In stock
Antique Asprey enamel, diamond and pearl pendant
Antique Asprey enamel, diamond and pearl pendant made in the 1870's. This Asprey pendant comes with its original box. It is set with a natural pearl and a European cut diamond as well as rose cut diamonds.
Founded in 1781 originally as a silk printing business, Asprey have made a name as one of the finest jewellery stores in the world. After opening their first store in New Bond Street in London in 1847, they have continued to make not just jewellery, but also watches, and silver wear. Now in thirteen countries, Asprey continue to be a household name.
With many of their pieces worn on the silver screen, their pieces have been seen in the Beatles’ 1965 movie Help!, Flawless, and Confessions of a Shopaholic. However their most famous piece is the most notably, the Heart of the Ocean necklace featured in the movie Titanic.
What is a European cut diamond?
During the mid 19th century, the old European cut came into focus, and was an attempt to change the old mine cut stones into a more perfect round cut. These stones can be considered as the first true round brilliant cut diamonds. The facets from the old miners were kept in their same position, but changed shape to a more round and evenly shaped stone.
The culets became smaller, as it was realised that light could leak out from this point in the stone. The development of the modern brilliant cut occurred in the early part of the 20thcentury with further modifications through the century. Diamond cutters apply the brilliant cut to other shapes, and this very exacting skill continues to enthrall craftsman and enthusiasts alike.
Like the name implies, the rose cut diamond resembles a rose bud, comprising of a flat base with a number of triangular facets arranged in rows above each other, meeting at a sharp point in the centre.
First manufactured in India at the end of the 15th Century, this cut was perfected at the diamond cutting workshops in Antwerp and Amsterdam, and was very popular during most of the 16th and 17thcenturies.
Because the base of the diamond was flat, stones were often foiled back to improve the brilliance of the stone. This was achieved by applying foils or tints to the base of the stone.
For a number of years, diamond cutters experimented with variations of the rose cut. This resulted in some truly amazing cuts, such as the Dutch rose, half-Dutch and the boat- shaped rose.
Kalmar Antiques in the Queen Victoria Building have been dealing in antique jewellery and watches for over thirty five years. With a large range of jewellery from the Georgian, Victorian and Art Deco eras, right up to today, there will always be something for you.
At Kalmar Antiques we specialise in repairing antique jewellery. We often use the same methods and techniques as when it was made. We also have two watchmakers on-site and are an authorised OMEGA watch service centre.
In the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, is Kalmar Antiques. We have been dealing in antique jewellery and watches for nearly forty years. Situated just a brief stroll from Town Hall station and the Strand Arcade. Kalmar Antiques is Australia's leading antique jewellery store.
Click here to see more antique pendants, necklaces and collars that are currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/necklace-antique/
Click here to go to the Queen Victoria Building website - a stunning building that we are situated in: