Recently Sold (VICN082)

Sunday Promenade - Victorian English 10K Gold Natural Old Mine Cut Diamond, Amethyst & Seed Pearl Lavalier Necklace. The necklace is crafted from 10K gold, hallmarked 10K. Featuring one natural old mine cut diamond, one natural round cut amethyst, 16 natural seed pearls, exquisite detail and quality craftsmanship.  This Victorian era lavalier is beautifully rendered. It is in the Art Nouveau style, showcasing a beautiful tear-drop shape pendant with open-work detail. The central portion has a delicate milgrain collet, which is set with a green peridot. The frame of the pendant consists of twists, scrolls, and foliage decoration. Which is also adorned with beautiful natural silvery grey pearls, which enhance the character of the pendant. The central portion of the pendant showcases a beautiful old mine cut sparkling diamond in a buttercup setting, which is framed by the foliage detail. Below is a suspended circular shaped amethyst dropper, which is also expertly set in a  buttercup setting . This Victorian beauty is truly a piece to be cherished for many years to come... a fine example of late Victorian jewelry. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of antique jewelry. It is recommended that this pendant is insured for $2000.00 (Tax Excluded) 

Comments: Wonderfully crafted, and exquisite detail. 

History: The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. A majority of these early stones were transported along the network of trade routes that connected India and China, commonly known as the Silk Road. 

The Old Mine Cut diamond, a historical style of diamond cutting, gained popularity in the late 18th centuries, particularly during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. Originally used to describe diamonds from older mines in Brazil and India, the term eventually encompassed any diamond cut in a similar squarish shape with a high crown, small table, and large culet. These diamonds were hand-cut and known for their unique, often asymmetrical, facets, which produced a softer, more subtle brilliance than modern cuts. 

You cannot look at Old Mine Cut diamonds with a formula in mind, its value is object driven. They are a greater challenge in estimating weight once they have been mounted (especially if they are closed back). The Old Mine Cut diamonds are hand cut, which makes them so special .

Ancient Greeks and Romans believed this gemstone could ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus and keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. English regalia were decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst jewelry has been found and dated as early as 2000 BC.

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.

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.

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of Continental Europe. 

Lavalier Necklace/Pendant: The general consensus is that the pendant finishes in a single stone dangling from the base, often a pearl or diamond. A lavalier necklace is also sometimes called a Y necklace. In pendant form, the lavalier often has delicate filigree work, sometimes with feminine and floral motifs.

Measurements: Lavalier 41.00 mm x 32.00 mm    Chain 15 1/2"   

Stone Size: Diamond .02 carats    Amethyst .05 carats    Seed Pearl 1.50 mm - 2.00 mm 

Weight: 3.30 grams    

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England    

Date: Circa 1890