Recently Sold (VICP094)

Crimson Days - Victorian 9K Gold Garnet & Natural Seed Pearl Lavalier Pendant & Chain. The pendant is crafted from 9K yellow gold, hallmarked 9ct , a British Hallmark for 9K gold. The chain is 9K gold, tested and confirmed. Featuring one natural cushion cut garnet, one natural faceted pear shaped garnet, 36 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 heart shaped pendant with open-work detail. The central portion has a delicate collet, which is set with a red wine garnet.  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. There is also a double chain attached to the pendant and a hoop bale, which is a characteristic of Napoleonic jewelry. Below is a suspended pear shaped garnet dropper, which is also collet set. The chain is a paperclip link, with a spring ring clasp in perfect working order. This Victorian/Edwardian pendant dates from 1890-1910, truly an heirloom piece to be enjoyed for many years to come. This one is a beauty! 

Note: Appraisal included with pendant. Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the antiquity value.  Professional appraisal for $2200 (tax excluded)

Comments: Wonderfully crafted, and exquisite detail, with natural gemstones throughout. 

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).

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. 

The Edwardian era or Edwardian period of British history spanned the reign of King Edward VII, 1901 to 1910, and is sometimes extended to the start of the First World War. The death of Queen Victoria in January 1901 marked the end of the Victorian era.

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: Pendant 56.00 mm x 30.00.     Chain  16"  Note: Extender can always be added to the chain if additional length is needed. 

Stone Size: Garnet  2.35 carats     Seed Pearl 1.20 - 1.60 mm 

Weight: 5.70 grams    

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Pendant : England     Chain: England 

Date: Pendant 1890 - 1910     Chain: Circa 1930