Recently Sold (GP010)

Gracious Living - Georgian English 18K Gold, Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Locket Choker Pendant. This rare pendant is crafted from 18K gold (tested). The locket features one natural heart shaped rose cut diamond, 28 natural hand-cut antique rose-cut shaped diamonds, Victorian era styling, and high quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this locket is created in the shape of a heart.  The locket is made of gold, and topped with silver, and closed back diamond settings (a characteristic of Georgian jewelry). The diamonds have a slight champagne/light brown colour, and glow in different light intensities. These early rose cut diamonds were created to glow under the candlelight in the long-gone-days before modern lighting. The back of the locket is beautifully hand-engraved, with a floral motif,  and opens and closes perfectly. The bale on the locket is marquise shaped, and exhibits its original backing, which was designed for a choker. The locket has been matched up to a vintage sienna coloured velvet adjustable choker from the 1960s (New old stock found in a textile factory in America). This Georgian era pendant is absolutely glorious, truly a treasure to be enjoyed and cherished for many years to come. 

Comments: Rare early piece, completely original. Jewelry before 1850 were completely hand-made, gemstones were hand-cut, and only tools were used to make these treasures. Machinery was not used until after 1850. 

Note: Contemporary appraisal do not reflect the value of antique jewelry. It is highly recommending that this pendant locket be insured for $20 000.00 (Tax Excluded) 

History: The earliest recorded use of diamonds dates back to ancient India, used as talismans and in religious ceremonies. The first known diamond mines were located in India, and the stones were traded along the Silk Road to China. In the Middle Ages, diamonds became a symbol of power and wealth and were often worn by royalty.

The rose cut originated in the 1500's and was commonly used through the Georgian and Victorian eras. Like other antique diamond cuts, they were cut by hand and meant to dazzle under candlelight. Their large, wide facets performed exquisitely in low light conditions.

The rose cut is considered to be one of the oldest diamond cuts. Rose cut diamonds gathered popularity from their creation in the 1500s right through to the late 19th Century.

Today, they are seeing a renaissance and are highly sought-after.It can be challenging to find a rose cut that you'll love because they are so rare in the market. - Because the rose cut diamond is cut by hand, there will often be tiny imperfections or asymmetries to the facets.

Many are already aware of history behind the 'ring finger,' and with the romanticism of the 'Rose Cut', the cut became a symbol for love as the ring would be “wrapped around the part of the body that connected directly to the heart”

You cannot look at rose cut diamond jewelry factually with a recut formula in mind, its value is object driven. Rose cuts are a greater challenge in estimating weight once they have been mounted (especially if they are closed back). These rose cut diamonds are hand cut, which makes them so special . This is a rare find. 

The rose cut diamond is closed back ( a characteristic of Georgian and early Victorian jewelry). Closed back jewelry should never be immersed in liquid. To clean, wipe the ring gently with a damp (not saturated) cloth and pat dry with soft cloth. 

In 1953, GIA formally created its diamond grading system, known as the 4 C's. The 4 Cs of diamond quality are the universally recognized diamond grading system still to be used today.  1n 1955, GIA presented its first diamond grading reports, which became the hallmark of grading reports in the diamond industry. Before this time in antiquity clients did not care about diamond grading. It was based more so on the size of the diamonds ( according to budget) , style, and sentiment.  This ring is a wonderful example of the Victorian era, just beautiful! 

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 Locket 26.50 mm x 17.00 mm       Choker(Adjustable) 

Stone Size: Diamonds (Rose Cut) 2.50 carats (Approximately)  Note: It is impossible to get the exact diamond carat weight on closed back diamonds. 

Weight: Pendant 4.00 grams 

Condition: Excellent          Note: Remarkable condition considering the age. 

Origin: England         Velvet Choker: America 

Date: Circa 1830