Dating to the mid-18th century, circa 1760, this exquisite Georgian natural pearl and diamond pendant necklace is a rare and beautifully preserved example of early diamond and pearl jewellery.
At its centre is a finely hand-crafted silver pendant set with six rose-cut diamonds arranged in a delicate cluster around a small gold bead centre, a charming and characteristic detail sometimes seen in mid-Georgian diamond jewels. The stones are mounted in closed-back foil settings, a traditional 18th-century technique designed to enhance the brilliance of rose-cut diamonds in candlelight.
Suspended beneath the cluster are six elongated natural “dog-tooth” river pearls, each individually mounted in hand-made silver caps and secured by tiny riveted plates. The pearls fan outward in an elegant radiating arrangement.
The reverse of the pendant reveals its hand-fabricated construction consistent with authentic mid-18th century workmanship. The combination of the gold bead centre and radiating pearl arrangement shows stylistic elements sometimes associated with Iberian jewellery of the period, although jewels of this type were produced throughout Europe during the Georgian era.
The pendant is suspended from a strand of irregular baroque freshwater pearls, attractively matched in colour and soft lustre to the pendant pearls. The pearl strand is a later addition, most likely dating from the 19th or early 20th century, a common and historically sympathetic adaptation that allowed antique pendants to be worn as complete necklaces.
Elegant, feminine and wonderfully distinctive, this jewel is a charming survival from the Georgian period, combining delicate mid-18th-century craftsmanship with timeless wearability. A rare and highly collectible antique treasure.
DETAILS
METAL: acid tested sterling silver with gold accent
GEMSTONES:
Pendant set with 6 rose-cut natural diamonds
Six natural dog-tooth pearls, graduating approx. 12 × 5 mm to 9 × 5 mm
Necklace strand composed of 45 freshwater baroque pearls, approx. 10 × 4 mm
DATE:
Pendant – Georgian, mid-18th century, circa 1760
Pearl necklace strand – later addition, 19th / early 20th century
MEASUREMENTS:
Pendant: 1⅜ in / 3.5 cm tall and wide
Necklace length: 18½ in / 47 cm
WEIGHT: 18 grams
HALLMARKS: clasp stamped “Sterling”
CONDITION: Very good antique condition with expected age-appropriate wear. The pendant retains its original hand-fabricated structure and shows tooling marks. The pearl necklace strand is a later but sympathetic addition that complements the pendant beautifully and allows it to be worn comfortably today.
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