Sunburst - Victorian 14K Gold Natural Pearl Pendant/Brooch & Chain (VICP108)

Sunburst - Victorian 14K Gold Natural Pearl Pendant/Brooch & Chain. This exquisite pendant/Brooch is crafted from 14K yellow gold, hallmarked 14K, and a makers mark. The chain is crafted from 14K yellow gold, hallmarked 14K, and Italy. The pendant features 42 natural pearls, Victorian era styling and high quality craftsmanship.  This pendant/brooch is made in the form of a beautiful sunburst, comprised of expertly bead-set white lustrous pearls displaying silvery grey overtones. The sunburst pendant  can be worn as a pendant or as a brooch.  When the sunburst is being worn as a brooch simple take off the chain and tuck the little loop bale behind the piece. The bale sits perfectly at the back of the piece, so it is unseen. The piece has its original pin and 'c' clasp, which simply hooks in place. The chain is a pretty belcher design, which is adjustable, and features a secure lobster claw clasp in perfect working order. This Victorian era pendant/brooch looks so beautiful when worn, truly a wonderful versatile piece to add to any antique jewelry collection.

Comments: Exquisite example of Victorian era jewelry. Completely original and such a lovely design. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the antique value of antique jewelry. It is recommended that this pendant and chain be insured for $1800.00 CD plus GST $90.00 = $1890.00

History:  Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.

Natural pearls are rare, but not impossible to find. About one in every 10,000 oysters produces a natural pearl. Because they haven't been cultured, they often come in unusual or off-round shapes, and they may be smaller than cultured pearls. They are also quite expensive because they're so rare.

After many, many years of diving for pearls, divers have made natural pearls so rare; some say they are close to becoming extinct. Therefore, they are hard to find on the ocean's surface these days. Because of this rarity, natural pearls are generally much more expensive than cultured pearls.

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 sunburst as a decorative motif may have its roots in the halos surrounding figures in medieval religious art. During the 17th century, the Catholic church began using elaborate monstrances — decorative stands used to display the communion wafer — adorned with gilded rays.

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

Measurements: Starburst Pendant (Include the bale) 29.50 mm x 22.00 mm 

Stone Size: Pearls (natural) 2.80 mm -1.00 mm 

Weight: 5.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Pendant: England     Chain: 18" - 20" (Adjustable) 

DateL Circa 1890