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. 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 scroll work 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, the glass on the back has a crack but it is stable and secure with the hair unaffected. Please refer to photos.