Antique Georgian era ruby and diamond pendant brooch
$7,250.00
Here is a truly magnificent antique pendant that is so exciting for so many reasons.
To begin with, this piece dates from the Georgian period of the early 1800’s and is not only astonishing that it is well over 200 years old, yet is still in wonderful condition that can be worn today. Made in 18 carat yellow gold and sterling silver, the reason that silver was used on the top, as it was known that the yellow colour from the yellow gold could artificially tint the diamonds, so often they were set in silver. And the reason silver was used, was that it wouldn’t be for another 100 years until 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.
On the top section that measures 32mm across, it is set with five rose cut diamonds, and three rubies. Then the bottom section which itself measures 37mm across, it is set with five old square single cut diamonds and three rose cut diamonds. In total all of the diamonds come together to total 0.29 carats, and the rubies total 3.43 carats. The rubies are so vibrant and share the same charm as the diamonds by being all wonderful antique cuts that were entirely cut by hand without any modern equipment and tools such as there is today.
From top to bottom, the pendant measures 65mm, and is the perfect size to wear on a chain around the neck where it will always be certainly admired and a wonderful conversation starter.
With a hand painted miniature on the front, the back reveals a section for a locket as well as a brooch fitting to wear it on a jacket, where again it will certainly stand out with such elegance and charm.
No matter how you choose to wear this, there is no doubt that it will always be admired and is destined to become a much loved and treasured family heirloom.
Stock# ET1302
Circa: 1800
$7,250
Antique Georgian era ruby and diamond pendant brooch
When was the Georgian era?
The Georgian era was from 1714 until 1810. This covered the reigns of King George I, II, III and IV, as well as King William IV. As William only ruled for a short seven years, he is encompassed in the entire Georgian period.
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.
Example of the rose cut diamond from the side and the top.
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.
Click here to see a small selection of antique brooches that are currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/antique/antique-brooches/
Click here to see more antique necklace and pendants that are currently instore:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/antique/antique-pendants/
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