The centerpiece of this 14k gold Victorian necklace is a beautiful diamond and sapphire element comprised of Rose Cut, Old European Cut, and a sapphire cabochon. The piece is symmetrical and appears to have two hearts that are butting up against each other in the central elements. The hearts are bead set with Rose Cut diamonds, with a larger Rose Cut diamond held up by prongs in a buttercup setting, which repeats on the other side in a mirror image. In the center is a sapphire cabochon with a nice high profile and deep royal blue color. It is flanked by two Old European Cut diamonds, bezel set with milgrain around it. The centerpiece is silver front with a gold back that tests to be 9k. The central element is set on a curb link chain—a popular chain in contemporary fashion. The gorgeous added central element elevates it to a day-to-night piece.
The piece contains approximately 1 carat of natural antique diamonds, and 1 carat of natural antique sapphire. There are two 3.75 mm Old European Cut diamonds, two 4 mm Rose Cut diamonds, and 26 2 mm Rose Cut diamonds. The diamonds range from SL1 to I in clarity. The sapphire is 6 x 4.5 mm.
The curb link chain measures 6.35 mm thick. The main is 17.25” long. It has a tongue in groove clasp with a safety chain. The piece is unmarked but acid tests as 14k gold and 9k gold. It has a good, solid weight of 43 grams.
We believe the curb link was added to the original piece. It is comprised of solid 14k gold, but the back six inches of the chain is a very well-matched 9k gold hollow link. The differentiation in the gold is seamless but has a slight variation in color because of the karat. However, we don’t feel this is an issue because the back six inches are behind the neck when worn.
