Recently Sold (VICN041)

Crimson Splendour - Victorian English 18K & 14K Gold Carbuncle Cabochon Garnet Hidden Locket Festoon Necklace. This wonderful necklace is crafted from 18K and 14K yellow gold, tested and confirmed. Featuring 3 natural garnet cabochon gemstones, Victorian era styling, and high quality craftsmanship. The galleries on this necklace are masterfully bezel set with beautiful vibrant red wine garnets, which display a reddish/purplish hue. The central garnet drop has a hidden locket, which is lined with silk, and has its original glass cover. The wonderful locket, will hold your favorite photograph, or sentimental keepsake, which is only known to the wearer. The bezels are beautiful decorated with cable and braiding settings, which add beauty and character to each setting. The necklace is a 'Swag Design' (a characteristic found in antique necklaces) which drapes beautifully when worn. The necklace is comprised of an 18K yellow gold snake chain, and 14K yellow gold settings. The clasp is the original cylinder style, which is in perfect working order. This exquisite Victorian era necklace looks beautiful when worn, truly an intriguing breautiful piece from times gone by. 

Comments: This is a rare find, and in remarkable fine condition. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the antique value of antique jewelry. Antique jewelry appraisals, are based on metal value, gemstones, rarity, desirability, age, and condition. It is recommended that this necklace is insured for $10 000.00 CD (Tax Excluded) 

History: The history of garnet dates back to the Bronze Age, more than 5000 years ago. Its name, which has been used since these ancient times, was derived from the Latin word granatium, which means pomegranate (because the small, red crystals were thought to resemble pomegranate seeds).

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

The tradition of wearing a locket has spanned thousands of years and can be traced back as far back as the 16th Century, during which time they were worn by both men and women. Lockets containing a portrait of the of-the-time monarch were frequently worn by those with particularly patriotic tendencies.

A carbuncle is a large almandine garnet that is cut en cabochon. These deep purplish-red garnets were popular in Victorian jewelry. 

In the history of the United Kingdom and the British Empire, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. Slightly different definitions are sometimes used.

Measurements: Necklace 15" Long     Garnet Drops 20.00 mm x 14.00 mm each 

Stone Size: Garnet 18.00 carats 

Weight: 12.84 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England 

Circa Circa 1850