Victorian Revival - Vintage Gold Plated Simulated Mottled Malachite Ornate Pendant & Chain (VP279)

Victorian Revival - Vintage Gold Plated Simulated Mottled Malachite Ornate Pendant & Chain. This gorgeous pendant is crafted from gold plate over metal. The pendant features one rectangular shaped malachite (simulated), Victorian Revival vintage era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This pendant is comprised of a beautiful mottled  green simulated malachite gemstone, which has an exquisite ornate open-work frame. The back of the pendant is also ornate, displaying a wonderful cross, and raised open-work detail. The pendant is matched up to a decorative chain, featuring a secure spring ring clasp, in perfect working order. This vintage era pendant is versatile and an eye-catching piece, which can be worn day or night. 

History: Malachite's history spans millennia, used by ancient Egyptians for makeup and tomb paintings (symbolizing rebirth), Greeks /Romans for jewelry and temple decoration (associated with goddess Juno/Artemis), and later as protective talismans against evil and illness through the Middle Ages, with significant Russian use for opulent architectural decoration like St, Isaac's Cathedral, while also serving as an early copper ore. 

. While natural malachite has been used for thousands of years, modern synthetic, reconstituted, and imitation versions have become increasingly common, particularly as natural deposits in areas like the Ural Mountains have been depleted. 

The process was invented in 1805 by Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli who plated a very thin gold layer on top of silver. Since then, it has become commonplace in the jewelry world, with many base metals covered in gold, silver, or rhodium.

Measurements: Pendant 43.00 mm x 26.00 mm       Chain 22" 

Stone Size: Malachite (simulated) 16.50 mm x 13.00 mm 

Weight: 27.20 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1980