An exquisite cabochon cut oval Bohemian garnet of at least 6 carats graces this beautiful Victorian 9ct gold pendant necklace.
The stone is superb, a juicy pomegranate seed red with flashes of deep pink dependending on the light source. This luscious gem is bezel set into a yellow gold fairly deep mount that is engraved in a pretty floral pattern with cut out decorative edges. Rose gold scrollwork adorns the top and the pendant suspends from a rose gold antique Belcher/rolo chain.
A glass covered 'locket' compartment in the back still contains a dense curl of dark brown hair. The chain has elegant round links decorated in a diamond cut pattern and it fastens with a bolt ring catch, it is a good sturdy weight and gauge to support the pendant which is a fairly substantial piece.
The pendant also has a wide bore gold bail for wear on a ribbon, instead of the chain, should you wish to vary the look.
Gorgeous all original Victorian jewel - the presence of hair hinting that this was once a sentimental love token, perhaps even a memorial jewel - friendship, devotion and compassion are all associated with the ruby red garnet, the romantic birthstone of January!
MATERIALS: 9ct gold throughout, tested
GEMSTONE: Natural garnet, tested with the Presidium, measures 16x12mm
DATE: Victorian, circa 1870.
HALLMARKS: Stamped with indecipherable hallmark at the top of the bezel, chain stamped 9ct on clasp.
MEASUREMENTS: Pendant, height 1-1/2" (40mm) including the bail, width 1" (25mm), depth 10.4mm. The round bail at the top is 7mm and the chain is 16-1/2" (42cm) long.
WEIGHT: Combined weight 11.1 grams (pendant 6.4 grams, chain 4.7 grams)
CONDITION: Excellent condition with signs of wear and age as expected in an antique necklace. The garnets is free from cracks and chips with the chain showing no wearing away of the gold. It is kink free with the clasp in perfect working order and fastening securely. The glass at the back has a crack at the edge, it is stable and secure with the hair unaffected and it shouldn't affect wear.