Recently Sold (VICN037)

Bewitching & Beguiling- Victorian Austro-Hungarian Gold Gilt Over Sterling Silver Persian Turquoise & Natural Pearl Jeweled Pendant Necklace. This magnificent necklace is crafted from sterling silver, tested. Featuring 12 natural river pearls, 18 natural Persian turquoise gems, Victorian Austro-Hungarian era styling, and high quality craftsmanship. This antique pendant is masterfully hand-wrought, and made in the form of a girandole, which is adorned by white/silvery-grey lustrous pearl, and beautiful robin egg blue turquoise. The pendant is articulated beautifully into two intricate galleries, and decorative turquoise dangles. This design allows the stunning pendant to have movement when it is worn. The gems are closed back (a characteristic seen in Georgian and early Victorian jewelry), which cradles and protects the precious gemstones. The back of the pendant is exquisite, showcasing delicate decorative settings. The entire pendant still displays traces of it's gilt gold finish (a characteristic of Renaissance, Georgian, and Victorian jewelry). The pendant originally would have had a pin on the back or two silver bars, where the pendant could have been pinned or sewn onto a dress or choker. As sales and fashions changed an antique sterling silver chain has been attached to the necklace, which looks fantastic, and makes it easy for the wearer to wear with todays fashion. This Victorian era Austro-Hungarian necklace was made during the brief reign of the Austro- Hungarian empire. It looks absolutely stunning when worn, truly a beauty to be treasured and cherished for many years to come. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the antique value of antique jewelry. Appraisal for this Pendant Necklace $4500.00 (tax Excluded) October 25, 2023

Michelle Sillence: Appraiser and antique Jewelry Specialist . 

History: Bewitching and beguiling, Austro-Hungarian jewellery is known as the epitome of 'extra' with its larger-than-life gemstones and motifs. The Austro-Hungarian empire dates between the 1860s to the 1920s and was one of the most powerful western empires in the world.

It was formed with the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 in the aftermath of the Austro-Prussian War and was dissolved shortly after its defeat in the First World War. Austria-Hungary was ruled by the House of Habsburg and constituted the last phase in the constitutional evolution of the Habsburg monarchy.

Persian Turquoise comes from a number of mines in modern day Iran. The stones from all mines show a great color variation. Many mines were worked around Nishapur, 225 miles east of the southern end of the Caspian Sea, close to old caravan routes.

Originally called piruzeh in Persian, the gem has spiritual value in Persian culture is such that its name carries the meanings of victory, triumph, and prosperity. In Persian literature, turquoise has been celebrated by poets, and various legends and beliefs are associated with it (Vinogradov et al., 1966).

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 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 61.00 mm x 49.00 mm   Wearable Necklace: 18" or shorter( can be adjusted to any desired shorter length). 

Stone Size: Persian Turquoise 5.75 carats (approximate weight) closed back settings makes it difficult to calculate the exact weight.   Natural Pearl 7.00 mm - 4.00 mm pearls 

Weight: 41.90 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Austria-Hungary, or Austro-Hungarian Empire, Former monarchy, central Europe. Austria-Hungary at one time included Austria and Hungary, Bohemia, Moravia, Bukovina, Transylvania, Carniola, Küstenland, Dalmatia, Croatia, Fiume, and Galicia.

Date: Circa 1860