Kirsten's Corner

Victorian 14K Gold Clawfoot Pendant with Cat’s Eye Moonstone

$325.00

This 14k gold Victorian clawfoot contains a cat’s eye moonstone that glows from within. When held in the light, bands of color, ranging in hues from silver to gold, shimmer and move around within the stone in a mesmerizing effect. The stone appears to be lit up, like the surface of the moon. The stone is held by a 14k gold clawfoot, hand carved with lifelike detail. A magical world seems to exist within this glowing orb, and its glimmer has a life of its own. 

Chatoyancy is an optical phenomenon seen in certain stones, caused by light reflecting off of parallel needle-like elements within the stone, this is the cat’s eye effect.  In addition the moonstone has a trait known as adularescence—a milky sheen or glowing light that seems to come from below the surface of the stone. The effect is caused by layers of orthoclase and albite that reflect and scatter light. 

Part of Kirsten’s Corner Signature Collection, we converted this pendant from a Victorian era stickpin by removing the pin and adding a 14k gold bail. Stickpins rose to prominence in the early and mid 1800’s; it was customary for upper class men to wear them to secure their ties and cravats. Pins were also worn on the lapels of coats, and incorporated into hats. Eventually, women took interest in wearing stickpins and began using them on scarves. 

The pendant weighs 1.5 grams. It is 5/8” x 5/16” with a 5 x 7 mm bail. The orb has a 7mm diameter. It is pictured here on a chain available in our shop. 

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