Mid-Victorian antique diamond pendant

Here is a breathtaking antique diamond pendant that dates from the mid-Victorian era of the 1860’s, and is destined to become a much loved and treasured family heirloom.

Hand made in 18 carat yellow gold and sterling silver on the top, the reason that silver was used on the top, was 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.

The time needed to make this piece entirely by hand would have been immense and is made even more incredible when it is realised that all of this was done without the modern jewellery equipment of today.

And then there are the diamonds themselves, which like the pendant were all cut by hand. In total there are 116 diamonds that total an astonishing 5.76 carats, and making up this pendant there are eight larger European cut diamonds and one hundred and eight single cut diamonds. Not only do these diamonds sparkle so incredibly, but they all work together to highlight the design of this pendant which would have no doubt been made for a family of very high standing.

The pendant measures 3.9cm across at the base by an amazing 8.5cm in length, and there is no doubt that this pendant is one that will be noticed from near or far, thanks not only to its regal design, but the sparkle given from all of the diamonds set into it.

Stock# EC187

Circa: 1860

$36,500