Recently Sold (VP181)

Heart Of Jewels - Vintage Victorian Revival Gold Plate over Sterling Silver Garnet Heart Pendant & Gold Filled Chain. This lovely pendant is crafted from gold plate over sterling silver, hallmarked 925. The chain is crafted from gold fill, hallmarked Gold Fill. The pendant features 32 natural rose cut garnets, vintage Victorian revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this pendant is expertly pavé-set with red wine colored garnets, displaying reddish/brown hues. The back of the pendant has open-backed settings for easy access when cleaning. The pendant is matched up to a vintage belcher style chain, which looks great with the pendant. The chain has a secure spring ring clasp, in perfect working order. This vintage pendant would make a perfect gift for that special someone, or a wonderful addition to your vintage jewelry collection. 

History: The history of garnet dates back to the Bronze Age, more than 5000 years ago. Its name, which has been used since these ancient times, was derived from the Latin word granatium, which means pomegranate (because the small, red crystals were thought to resemble pomegranate seeds).

During the early 1800s, Englishman Thomas Lowe introduced new gold plating techniques to the American jewelry industry. These innovations were put to good use during the gold rush, and produced delicate pieces like this gold plated bracelet from the mid-to-late 1800s.

Silver was discovered after gold and copper about 4000 bce, when it was used in jewelry and as a medium of exchange. The earliest known workings of significant size were those of the pre-Hittites of Cappadocia in eastern Anatolia.

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".

Over time, however, this rolled gold became “filled” with a base metal, such as brass, thus gold filled with brass. The modern gold filled wire and sheet metal technique was discovered in 1817 by John Turner, an Englishman, who patented his discovery.

Measurements: Pendant (Including the bale) 22.50 mm x 15.50 mm    Chain 16 1/2 " 

Stone Size: Garnet 1.60 carats 

Weight: 4.39 grams 

Condition: Excellent

Origin: America 

DateL Circa 1960