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Georgian silver paste pendant & chain.  This beautiful early pendant is made of a high grade 950 silver.  The pendant is completely hand crafted, with delicate filigree scroll type work set with shiny gorgeous clear paste gemstones. The central oval paste bezel is set and hand rubbed , so the setting is nice and smooth. Notice the hand crimping  on the bottom of the bezel. Then beautiful filigree work with hand set pastes extended from the central paste also takes centre stage. The hand crafted filigree work looks stunning when worn against the skin.  The chain is vintage sterling silver, the delicate segmented links work beautifully with the pendant. The pendant is hallmarked with a French assay of a crab at the top.  This piece has it all, an early piece , French hallmark, beautiful bright clear pastes.  This wonderful early pendant would make a stunning gift or wonderful addition to any jewel collection. 

Note:  In the aristocratic classes of the 17th century Europe, particularly the tastes-making rococo Parisians, fine jewelry made of pieces gemstones like diamonds and emeralds were flaunted and  coveted. These stones were treasured for their beauty as much as their relative rarity- it was rarity that prompted jewellers to seek out an equally beautiful , but less expensive alternative material for their creations. 

In 1724, French jewel designer Georges Frederic Strass came up with" paste" a kind of leaded glass that he cut and polished with metal powder until it appeared like a diamond in the light. These white "diamante" or " strass" were a hit with glamorous Parisian high society.  This particular pendant is a perfect example of early high quality paste jewellery. 

Measurements: 1 3/4" x 1 1/4 " Chain 18" 

Weight 10 Grams

Condition: Excellent

Origin: France : French crab hallmark at the top of the pendant. 

Date: Circa 1800