French antique onyx and diamond pendant

Here is an absolutely beautiful French antique onyx and diamond pendant that dates from the early 1800's and is magnificent to admire and wear around the neck.

Made in 18ct yellow gold and set with six diamonds, the diamonds are set in silver as white gold was not invented and platinum was not used in jewellery until the early 1900's. These diamonds are lovely old mine cut diamonds and total 0.48 carats and are spaced perfectly around the exquisite border.

The sparkle of the diamonds really adds to this piece whose main attraction is the black onyx in the centre shaped as a shell. Most people think of onyx as being just black, but onyx forms black with a white stripe which is either removed when cutting or dyes completely black to remove it, whereas here it is at the base to add a wonderful addition of colour and style to it.

Beautifully carved as a shell, it has a beautiful tactile feel to it with its scalloped design.

With the pendant measuring 36.8mm across by 47.8mm to the top of the oval frame or 55.7mm to the top of the bail, this antique pendant is one that will stand out so elegantly on the neckline and always be admired.

Turning the pendant over reveals the most charming hand carving of a shell and this combined with the onyx carved as a shell no doubt gives credence that this was specifically made for someone who had something to do with clams or oysters in the early 1800's when they were incredibly prized as aphrodisiacs.

A wonderful example of an antique pendant that is as unique as it is beautiful and one that will always be admired.

Stock# ES6937cc

Circa: 1810

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