This classic beauty from the Belle Époque era is not to be missed! The 14k gold and sterling silver seashell inspired pendant is replete with luminous diamonds and hangs on a platinum chain. In the center of the pendant is a stunning Old Mine Cut diamond in a buttercup setting. It is surrounded by a raised seashell shape, encrusted with a fan-like array of Rose Cut diamonds. The central element is framed by Old Mine Cut diamonds, arranged in descending order, and topped with a ribbon-esque motif, also containing both Old Mine and Rose Cuts. From the bottom of the pendant, a large pear-shaped Old Mine Cut diamond dangles in a flower prong setting. The pendant is a continuous flowing line of gemstones that catch light to refract and reflect at every angle.
The diamonds in the piece range in color from G-K and have clarities of VS2-SL1. There are 14 Old Mine Cut diamonds (1 measures 5mm; 6 measure 4mm; 6 measure 3.5mm; and the large pear-shaped OMC measures 6mm x 4.5mm, with a carat weight of 0.46). There are over 34 Rose Cut diamonds. Per the formula, the pendant contains approximately 5.6 carats of diamonds.
The pendant itself is made of 14k gold on the back and sterling silver on the front—a perfect design to complement such a display of bright diamonds! The back of the pendant reveals rose gold, which was once plated with white gold but has since aged. The chain is platinum, and measures 16”. It has a 5/16” bar encrusted with 3 additional Rose Cut diamonds. It attaches to the pendant from two pigtail loops on the back. The back of the pendant is marked “Birks Estate” “14K” and “Sterling”. Both the pendant and chain have been acid tested. The pendant measures 2” x 1 “ and weighs 15.92 grams. The 16” chain weighs 5.2 grams. The piece was designed to hang on the chain or be worn as a brooch, but it also has a folding bail at the top that allows it to be clipped into a charm extender.
This lavish diamond pendant necklace is a fine example from the Belle Epoque, or beautiful era. A high quality piece such as this one is a rare find! Circa 1910.
