Antique enamel amethyst and diamond pendant/brooch

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.