A magnificent antique jewel this superb quality 9ct gold and silver locket pendant is carpeted in multitude of exceptional hand-cut white Paste French gemstones.
With more than a passing nod to Georgian 18th century jewellery design, this is one of the most exquisite antique Paste pendants we have ever laid eyes on. The pendant is a statement size with a Sévigné (bow brooch) at the top with a built in pendant bail. Stamped in several Continental hallmarks (likely French) it exquisitely crafted in heavy gauge sterling silver with a 9ct rose gold picture frame, pendant yoke and pin back.
The front of the pendant is set in white Pastes that sparkle like the finest of old diamonds and the silver encased reverse (which isn't seen when worn) is hand-engraved in a gorgeous floral pattern. Another testament to the level of extraordinary quality and workmanship that shows in this piece. There is a blank oval cartouche in the centre of the silver engraving that you could chose to have inscribed for a personal touch.
The 9ct gold framed locket compartment in the centre of the pendant slides out to insert photos, keepsakes or gemstones if you wish. The lilac satin liner that is in there looks stunning and there is a black one too if you wanted to vary the look. The compartment benefits from a thick antique glass cover which is convex so it magnifies the contents. The pendant suspends from a beautiful high quality silver cable chain that benefits from its own safety chain.
Heirloom worthy, this exceptional antique Paste pendant evokes the bygone era of Edwardian elegance to perfection! In case you were wondering Paste is a heavy very transparent lead glass with very high indices of refraction and strong dispersion. Hand-cut Pastes have been used since the 18th century to replicate the fire and brilliance of real gemstones. Good antique Paste jewellery is a joy to behold and very desirable!
MATERIALS: sterling silver, 9ct gold
GEMSTONE: hand-cut Pastes
MEASUREMENTS: the pendant stands 2-1/2" (6cm) tall and 1-1/4" (3.3cm) wide, locket compartment 1-1/2"x 1 (3.8x2.5cm). Chain 16-1/2" (46cm)
HALLMARKS: stamped on the bow, bail and pendant base with silver assay marks that are obscured, it is also stamped '9K' on the pin along with other marks. The chain is stamped 'sterling' on both clasps
DATE: Edwardian, circa 1905
WEIGHT: 22.2 grams
CONDITION: this pendant locket remains in excellent antique condition free from any damage to note. The Paste gemstones sparkle and shine and each one is securely held in its setting. The gold frame in the centre slides out with ease using your finger nail and it pushes back in place snugly and securely. If you ever decide to wear this piece as a brooch the pin back is in perfect order and it has a rollover safety clasp for added security. There is a tiny chip to the edge of the glass cover that isn't visible when worn.
At Mercy Madge we offer antique and vintage jewellery that is special and each piece is hand selected by us for you. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHIPPING - FREE SHIPPING worldwide, orders are despatched next business day and sent with full tracking and insurance.
RETURNS - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
DISCOUNT? - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
BUYING A GIFT? - all items will arrive gift wrapped in a Mercy Madge custom jewellery box.
LAYAWAY? - we offer a free layaway plan on any item over £150. A 25% deposit will secure and reserve the item for you with the balance due in 60 days. If you would like to place an item on layaway, please send us a message and we will assist in setting this up for you.
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Materials: Sterling Silver, 9ct Gold, Hand Cut White Pastes.