Pretty In Pink - Vintage 10K White Gold Pink Topaz & Diamond Heart Pendant (VP153)

Pretty In Pink - Vintage 10K White Gold Pink Topaz & Diamond Heart Pendant. This lovely pendant is crafted from 10K white gold, hallmarked 10K and a makers mark FJ. The chain is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925 for sterling, and Italy. Featuring 10 natural round cut pink topaz, 10 natural round cut diamonds, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. The pretty pendant is made in the form of an open-worked heart, which is adorned by beautiful vibrant bubble gum pink 'pink topaz', and bright sparkling clear diamonds. The heart has a frame made of white gold, and all the precious gems are expertly claw-set. The bale is dainty, yet substantial and sturdy. The chain is a diamond cut box chain, which looks wonderful with the pendant. The chain features a secure lobster clasp, which is in perfect working order. The vintage pendant would make a perfect gift for that special someone. Such a versatile piece, which can be worn with everything! 

History: At the time, the Ural Mountains were topaz's leading source, and the pink gemstone mined there was named to honor the Russian czar. Ownership of the gem was restricted to the royal family. 

In Europe, the stone became highly popular after the topaz discoveries in Brazil during the 18th century and by the turn of the 19th century yellow and pink topaz were all the fashion and were extensively used throughout most of the 1800s.

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.

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.

Although the origin of white color gold dates back to 1710, where it was discovered by two alchemists in Germany, it wasn't used widely until much later. White gold as we know it today was really popularised in the 1920s. Although it might seem strange, this luxury material came to popularity in wartime.

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 18.00 mm x 15.50 mm 

Stone Size: Pink Topaz  .20 carats        Diamonds .10 carats    Chain 18"

Weight: 2.90 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Pendant: America    Chain: Italy 

Date: Circa 1980