Lavender By The Sea - Victorian 14K Gold Natural Amethyst & Seed Pearl Lavalier Necklace (VICN050)

Lavender By The Sea - Victorian 14K Gold Natural Amethyst & Seed Pearl Lavalier Necklace.  The necklace features one natural oval cut amethyst, 22 natural seed pearls, Victorian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This exquisite pendant is articulated beautifully. The bale is a split design, which is adorned by lustrous pearls. there is a beautiful marquise shaped gallery, which is set with a purple amethyst, displaying purplish/violet hues, and silvery white pearls. The main gallery has a charming little dangle, set with pearls, which finishes off the piece perfectly. The pendant has a chain attached to it, with it's original clasp, which is in perfect working order. This Victorian era lavalier exudes femininity, and looks beautiful when worn.

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of antique jewelry. 

History: Ancient Greeks and Romans believed this gemstone could ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus and keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. English regalia were decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst jewelry has been found and dated as early as 2000 BC.

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 grow in the wild without human intervention. They are very rare, and most natural pearls in the market today are antique. Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms, and are the direct result of human intervention.

The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as its type, size, color, surface quality, and more. A wild pearl will be worth more than a cultured pearl.

While the gemstones are still considered a luxury today, they've become much more accessible than they once were because of pearl cultivation. Historically, not only were natural pearls very rare to find, but also quite challenging to obtain. Even today, natural pearls are extremely rare and valuable.

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.

Measurements: Pendant 42.50 mm x 10.00 mm    Chain 15" 

Stone Size: Amethyst .20 carats     Natural Seed Pearls 1.50 mm x 1.00 mm 

Weight: 2.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Europe 

Date: Circa 1890