A superb antique 15ct gold 'target' pendant with a glass photo/hair compartment in the back. Dating to the mid Victorian era this pendant is huge, we have never seen another on such a grand scale!
This is a repousse (puffy) pendant in the Etruscan revival style that was very fashionable in the mid 1800s.
Beautifully detailed and high quality it features a high domed center decorated with a blue/black enamelled star center set with a natural seed pearl. The top and bottom are ornamented in beadwork with the large hinged bail accented with a gold bead. Rope trims frame the star and there is an unused glass fronted locket box at the back to house a lock of hair or photo.
A truly exquisite antique solid gold pendant that is bound to bring endless joy to the new owner, you will love the remarkable attention to detail and without a doubt an heirloom worthy gem!
MATERIALS: 15ct gold, electronically and acid tested, black enamel
GEMSTONE: Natural seed pearl
DATE: 1860s
MEASUREMENTS: Pendant, height 2" (50mm) including the bail, width 1-3/8" (35mm) and 18.5mm deep. Bail measures 12x5mm. The locket photo box in the back measures 1-1/4x1" (32x27mm). There is a very deep aperture behind the box which can accommodate hair, ashes or other keepsakes.
WEIGHT: 10.1 grams
HALLMARKS: None
CONDITION: Superb, all original condition. The pendant is bright polished so it is highly reflective, the dark marks on the photos are simply camera shadow. The glass compartment shows no evidence of ever holding anything, indeed it looks never to have been never been previously opened. There is no wear to the enameling and the hinged bail is in perfect working order. This pendant is wearable today as it was well over 150 years ago!