A beautiful example of Gold in Quartz, this 14k gold Victorian pendant was most likely once part of a watch fob chain. It consists of one large element that houses three beautiful Gold in Quartz specimens bezel set into the fob. Gold in Quartz is one of the natural ways that gold is found in a rock substrate. The quartz is often broken up to retrieve the valuable gold, but when left in its original state, it polishes to have gorgeous marbled 22k-24k gold veining. The rock has both cool and warm tones—layers of grey and gold within its creamy texture. The fob has an Etruscan Revival design, with beaded details and granulation on three sides that give the pendant a hexagonal shape.
Gold in Quartz is usually only seen in traditional Gold Rush Era jewelry. Miners would often encase the better pieces of the quartz as trophies of their mining conquests. These special pieces of jewelry are hard to find, and Gold in Quartz is one of the world’s rarest forms of natural gold.
The piece is unmarked but acid tests as 14k. The fob measures 1” x 5/16”, not including the 7.8mm bail. It weighs 8.08 grams.
Circa 1890. The fob pendant looks great alone or stacked with chains. We love this piece because, not only is it uniquely beautiful, it feels great to hold in your hand while wearing it on a chain, like a talisman or worry stone. It is a special piece that seems to channel another time and is a perfect reminder of the beauty of the Victorian era.
