Antique Natural Pearl Diamond Gold and Silver Pendant Brooch, circa 1890

Edwardian 2.6 carat diamond and natural pearl Lavalier Necklace circa 1910 This decorative Lavalier necklace is designed as a pendant on diamond-set decorative motifs with a flower motif and two long movable pendants. Set with 69 diamonds with a total of 2.6 carat and 3 natural pearls, set in silver on rosé gold. The fine anchor chain was introduced later in the appropriate style. Silver on 585/14 K red gold, the anchor chain in 750/ 18K white gold 69 old European cut diamonds (GJ / VS-P) with a total of 2.6 ct 3 semi-baroque to baroque gray-white natural freshwater pearls...

Antique Victorian Onyx 1.4 Carat Diamond Shell Brooch 18K Gold circa 1860 Enchanting onyx diamond brooch in the shape of a shell with a setting m...

To fully appreciate the artistry and talent of it's creator, one needs to consider that this unique Mid-19th Century pendant-brooch was crafted by candle or gas light using only the ...

We acquired this extraordinary pendant from an antique jewelry dealer in New Zealand. Sort of a hybrid between a garland and a wreath, it boasts at least 1.7 carats in old cut diamonds plus eight pearls, all meticulously set from its hinged bale to its hinged diamond "tail." The enhancer bale is split in the back so that it can be worn with pearls. To that end, we're including a gorgeous 16" strand of 5.5 to 6mm Akoya saltwater pearls. We had these pearls strung specifically for this pendant, and to give the necklace a more contemporary feel, the pearls have been fully knotted in black silk, which we think really pops with the oxidized face of the pendant. The closure is a 14 karat white gold pearl clasp. WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS: Pendant Length: 2" Pendant Width (at widest point): 1-1/8" Pendant Weight: 7.15 grams Necklace Length: 16" (See below for more information about these pearls) Total Weight (pearl necklace + pendant): 17 grams Diamonds: 54 stones ranging from 1.2mm to 3.9mm for a total estimated diamond weight of 1.73 carats. More information on the diamonds is provided below. Pearls (Pendant): Eight pearls ranging from 3.5mm to 5.6mm for a total estimated pearl weight of 0.59 grams (0.157 momme). More information on the pearls is provided below. METALS & PENDANT AGE: We think this pendant probably dates from the late 19th or very early 20th century. While the pearls and the diamonds provide clues, the big tipoff is the fact that the stones are set in a thin layer of silver soldered onto 14 karat gold. This technique -- a thin layer of white metal (platinum was also used after around 1870) -- was used until white gold came into general use in the mid- to late 1910s. The distinctive black metal finish is nothing more than generations of the silver's natural oxidization. THE DIAMONDS: The diamonds on this piece predate the proliferation of bright white and clean South African diamonds...