Seaside Days - Victorian 9K Gold Persian Turquoise & Natural Pearl Lavalier Brooch/Pendant (VICP102)

Seaside Days  - Victorian 9K Gold Persian Turquoise & Natural Pearl Lavalier Brooch/Pendant. This exquisite pendant is crafted from 9K yellow gold, hallmarked 9ct (British hallmark). The chain is hallmarked 14K, Italy.  Featuring two natural oval cabochon Persian turquoise gems, 46 natural seed pearls, Victorian era styling, and quality craftsmanship.  This pendant is beautifully made, showcasing a delicate open-work frame, adorned by precious turquoise gemstones, and lustrous silvery grey pearls.. The bail is adorned with pearls, and solid, which supports the pendant perfectly. The lavalier pendant is in the Art Nouveau style, which showcases a design that represents nature. This is a perfect example, which exhibits flowers and foliage. The chain looks perfect with the pendant, with its buttery gold color and fancy links. The chain can be worn two different lengths (18"- 20") and has a secure spring ring clasp in perfect working order. This wonderful Victorian era pendant can be worn as a brooch or a pendant, and is very striking when worn, feminine and sooooo beautiful! Such a treasure to be cherished for may years to come.

It is believed that Turquoise was first discovered on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt over 7,500 years ago. Highly coveted by the Egyptians as a sacred stone with supernatural powers, it was used by healers and worn by Kings and Pharaohs.

The earliest evidence of turquoise gemstones comes from ancient Egyptian tombs, which contain elaborate turquoise jewelry dating back to 3000 BCE. Egyptians set turquoise in gold necklaces and rings, used it as inlay, and carved it into scarabs.

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.

In the history of the United Kingdom and the British Empire, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901.

Art Nouveau, ornamental style of art that flourished between about 1890 and 1910 throughout Europe and the United States. Art Nouveau is characterized by its use of a long, sinuous, organic line and was employed most often in architecture, interior design, jewelry and glass design, posters, and illustration.

Measurements: Pendant 47.00 mm x 28.00 mm   Chain 18" - 20" (Adjustable)

Stone Size: Turquoise .60 carats      Seed Pearls 1.00 mm - 2.00 mm each  

Weight: 5.43 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Pendant: England    Chain: Italy

Date: 1890 -1910