Nature's Wonder - Vintage 18K White Gold Plate, Sterling Silver Baroque Pearl & CZ Pendant & Chain (VP179)

Nature's Wonder - Vintage 18K White Gold Plate, Sterling Silver Baroque Pearl & CZ Pendant & Chain. This one of a kind pendant and chain is crafted from 18K white gold plate and sterling silver, hallmarked 18K GP on the pendant and 925 on the chain for sterling silver. Featuring one natural freshwater baroque pearl, seven round cut cubic zirconia gemstones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this pendant simulates an early ancient technique of metal wiring, which showcases a beautiful lustrous baroque pearl. The pearl is enhanced by sparkling clear white cubic zirconia gems. The pearl is white, displaying overtones of pink, green, and lilac. The chain is a traditional belcher style, which features an extender, and a secure lobster-claw clasp in perfect working order. This unique pendant and chain looks stunning when worn, truly a wonderful addition to any vintage jewelry collection. 

Comments: Gorgeous unique piece, which can be worn day or night. 

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.

The word Baroque comes from the Portuguese word “barroco,” which refers to a pearl with an elaborate shape. It was during the Baroque Era (1600–1750) that these non-round pearls were first used in jewelry, hence the name, which doubles as a reference to the luxuriant art and architecture of the period.

Although cubic zirconia was discovered as a natural mineral in 1937, crystals usable for faceting were first produced in 1969 and it was not until a practical skull-melting technique was developed in the USSR in 1972 that commercial production became feasible.

The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The term "sterling silver" probably originated in eastern Germany when five towns formed the Hanseatic League in the 1100s. These town minted their own coins of 92.5 percent silver. When Britain sold cattle and grain to the League, they were paid in "Easterling coins".

Measurements: Pendant 36.50 mm x 17.00 mm    Chain 15 1/2" - 17 1/2" (Adjustable) 

Stone Size: Baroque Pearl 23.00 mm x 17.00 mm      Cubic Zirconia 3.00 mm each 

Weight: Pendant & Chain 6.00 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1980