Recently Sold (VP158)

Indigo Cluster - Vintage Gold Plate Over Sterling Silver Sapphire & Diamond Pendant. This pretty pendant is crafted from sterling silver and yellow gold plate, hallmarked 925. The chain is gold filled, hallmarked 14K 1/20.   Featuring one genuine oval cut faceted sapphire, 16 genuine round cut faceted sapphires, 6 natural diamonds, classic vintage styling and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this pendant is expertly set with dark indigo blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds in an elegant swirl pattern. The split 'v' bail is substantial, which supports the cluster of gems perfectly. The pendant is matched up to a fancy belcher link chain, which looks perfect with the pendant. The vintage pendant is elegant, and looks wonderful when worn. Truly a perfect addition to any jewelry collection. 

History: The celestial blue color of this gemstone symbolized heaven and attracted divine favor and wise judgment. Greeks wore sapphire for guidance when seeking answers from the oracle. Buddhists believed that it brought spiritual enlightenment, and Hindus used it during worship.

The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. A majority of these early stones were transported along the network of trade routes that connected India and China, commonly known as the Silk Road.

The first evidence of silver mining dates back to 3000 B.C., in Turkey and Greece, according to the RSC. Ancient people even figured out how to refine silver. They heated the silver ore and blew air over it, a process called cupellation.

The sterling alloy originated in continental Europe and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany. A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx until it was deposited at the Royal Mint in 1843.

The first known gold plating occurred in northern Peru, where Pre-Columbian smiths gilded and silvered copper pieces by electrochemical replacement techniques. During excavations in the late 1980s, archaeologists discovered gold and silver ornamental and ceremonial artifacts dating all the way back to AD 50-300.

Gold plating is a method of depositing a thin layer of gold onto the surface of another metal, most often copper or silver (to make silver-gilt), by chemical or electrochemical plating. This article covers plating methods used in the modern electronics industry; for more traditional methods, often used for much larger objects, see gilding.

Measurements: Pendant 32.00 mm x 17.00 mm   Chain 18"

Stone Size: 2.20 carats    Diamonds .03 carats 

Weight: 5.10 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America    Chain: Ireland 

Date: Circa 1980