$5,900.00
This antique pendant can also be worn as a brooch, and regardless of if it is worn around the neck, or as a brooch, there is no denying that it is simply breathtaking.
Entirely hand made in 15 carat rose gold and sterling silver, the reason that silver was used on the top, was that it was known that the yellow colour from the gold could artificially tint the diamonds, so often they were set in silver. And the other reason during this time that silver was used, was that it wouldn't be 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, which was again in the early 1900's.
Set with a heart shaped amethyst in the centre that measures an impressive 13.1 carats in size, it is surrounded by rose cut diamonds then the most attractive white enamel border that is highlighted by those beautiful natural pearls on the edge. White enamel was often used to represent purity, adding to the charm of this piece even further.
With even more rose cut diamonds and another pearl at the top, this piece can easily be worn as a pendant or a brooch, and when it is worn as a brooch, the bail for the chain ingeniously folds back to make it not only sit better as a brooch, but to also not have the bail sticking up and looking out of place.
Measuring 25.3mm across by 33.2mm or 41.3mm with the bail sitting up, this is such a beautiful piece of late Victorian jewellery that is destined to become a much loved and treasured family heirloom.
Stock# EC227
Circa: 1890
$5,900.
In stock
Antique enamel amethyst and diamond pendant/brooch
Antique enamel amethyst and diamond pendant/brooch made in the late-Victorian era of the 1890's.
What is a rose cut diamond?
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, resulting in some truly amazing cuts, such as the Dutch rose, half-Dutch and the boat- shaped rose.
When was the Victorian era?
The Victorian era was from 1837 until 1901. Until Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria was the longest ruling monarch in British history. Queen Victoria was influential in not just politics, but also fashion. After Prince Albert died in 1861, Queen Victoria went into a perpetual state of mourning. During this time until her death, she wore only black, and popularised mourning jewellery.
Where is the best antique jewellery store in Sydney?
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.
Click here to see more antique brooches currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-brooch-antique/
Click here to see some more antique necklaces and pendants that are currently instore:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-pendant-antique/
Click here for a link to the beautiful and historic Queen Victoria Building. We are on the top floor and are the only antique jewellery store in the building:
