Circa 1800, an exquisite antique Georgian Bristol blue glass and paste 'diamond' silver pendant necklace.
Rococo style the pendant is crafted in solid sterling silver with a beautiful cut-out floral border set in bright white twinkling paste stones. The centre features a curved oblong cabochon of vibrant Bristol blue glass set with a charming fleur-de-lis cross motif. The glass is fully enclosed in the reverse with the silver engraved in a line and dot pattern, a decoration typical of the Georgian era. The pendant suspends from an antique sterling silver fine chain of the period that fastens with a torpedo clasp.
This charming and distinctive style of jewellery was to become extremely fashionable after Haleys Comet was first seen in 1758. It heralded a trend for celestial themed jewellery and what better material than vivid cobalt blue glass to represent the sky and twinkling diamonds or white pastes to stand for the stars. The craze for this heavenly colour combination extended far beyond celestial motifs and lasted well into the Victorian era!
An exquisite Georgian pendant necklace through and through, she is bound to become the literal star of your jewellery collection! You might be in good company too, Marie Antoinette famously wore a blue glass and diamond ring called the 'Bague au Firmament' (ring of the heavens).
DETAILS:
METAL: sterling silver
GEMSTONE: white pastes (glass), Bristol blue glass
DATE: Georgian, circa 1800
HALLMARKS: none, tested and verified sterling throughout
MEASUREMENTS: pendant 1"/2,5cm tall, 3/4"/2cm wide, chain 17-1/4"/44cm
WEIGHT: 6.2 grams total
CONDITION: in overall very, very good condition with light surface in keeping with age. The pastes are a lovely bright white with no dead or missing stones. The necklace clasp closes securely with a satisfying click.
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear and enjoy or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide tracked & insured shipping for all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* Discount - find special discount and no added tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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Materials: Sterling Silver, Bristol Blue Glass.