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 pendant evokes the bygone era of Edwardian elegance to perfection!
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.