Zircon Pendant circa 1940s Original Box 4 Carats Pristine

About the Item

This natural earth-mined zircon gem pendant was created from sumptuous yellow gold in the 1940s. And I must tell you, it looks like it has existed within a time capsule since the day it was made. The pendant is composed of overlapping ovals of gold, each centered with a blue zircon gemstone. The smaller zircon on top measures 7.07mm and weighs approximately 1.53 carats; the larger zircon on the bottom measures 8.25mm and weighs approximately 2.57 carats, for a total gem weight 4 carats. The delicate and unusual 16" chain accompanied the pendant when I acquired it, is a perfect color match for the ever-so-slightly rosy yellow gold and is included. Also included is the original box from Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Zircon (often confused with diamond simulate, Cibic Zirconia) is a natural, magnificent, and underrated gemstone that has been worn and treasured since ancient times. Available in many colors, zircon is one of the modern December birthstones and is known for its brilliance and flashes of multicolored light, called fire. Because Zircon can also be colorless and because it is so incredibly brilliant and firey, Zircon and diamond were confused for centuries. Zircon is a 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. But hardness does not always translate to durability and zircon can be brittle. This is why the vast majority of vintage and antique jewelry features zircon with abrasions, especially at the facet junctions. What's so remarkable about this absolutely pristine and stunning pendant is that the zircon gems are without abrasions, scratches or chips. In fact, the necklace appears to have never been worn. I acquired this jewel from a small jewelry store in Connecticut, where it had been sitting in a safe in the back room for decades. So it's entirely possible this pendant has not, in fact, been worn. It is a true treasure. Both the pendant itself and the chain are marked for 14K gold and there is a maker's mark on the pendant but I cannot identify it. As I said above, the pendant ships with everything you see in the picture: chain and original box are included.

Metal:

14k Gold

Stone:

Zircon

Stone Cut:

Round Cut

Weight:

5 g

Dimensions:

Length: 16 in (406.4 mm)

Style:

Retro