Recently Sold (VICP088)

Colour Change Rarity - Victorian 14K Gold Natural Alexandrite & Pearl Lavalier Pendant. This exquisite pendant is crafted from 14K yellow gold, there is a faded hallmark for 14K, and it has been tested.  Featuring one natural colour change round cut alexandrite, 4 natural pearls, Victorian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This precious pendant has a decorative pierced bale, which supports a beautiful open-work gold frame, adorned by a greenish/blue alexandrite (which changes to a mauve/reddish colour in candle light. The frame showcases exquisite fine filigree work, which is flanked by pearls. The precious alexandrite is set in a buttercup drop, which dangles, allowing for movement and interest to the piece. The tear-drop frame also displays two white gold orange blossom decoration, adding charm and detail to the pendant.  The chain matches beautifully and marked 14K 1/20 for 14K Gold Fill.  The Victorian era pendant is light and airy, and in amazing condition.  A beautiful addition to any fine jewelry collection.

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of antique jewelry. Value is based on rarity, desirability, gemstones, metals, and most importantly the craftsmanship. Therefore value is more-so object driven. 

Antique Appraisal Value, for insurance purposes: $1500.00 (tax excluded)  June 26, 2022. Antique Jewelry Appraiser : Michelle Sillence 

History: In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of Continental Europe.

Alexandrite was originally discovered in Russia, 1834. The first alexandrite specimen in history was found in the Ural mountains by Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld, a Finish mineralogist and traveler who first misidentified it as emerald. The gem got its name in honor of the Russian Czar Alexander II.

Alexandrite is an extraordinary gemstone that appears green or red dependent on the light it is observed under. This colour change effect is sometimes referred to as the 'alexandrite effect'. The rarity of this material and its chameleon-like qualities make alexandrite one of the world's most desirable gemstones.

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.

Dating back more than 5,000 years, when gold was first discovered – albeit usually in small quantities – attracted the eye of early man nearly everywhere. And unlike most metals, gold often appears in nature in its pure form so it need not be refined.

Measurements: Pendant 32.00 mm x 16.00 mm    Chain 18" 

Stone Size: Alexandrite.10 carats   Seed Pearls 2.00 mm  

Weight: 3.60 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1890