Victorian 15ct Gold Opal & Seed Pearl Heart Shaped Pendant

  

An antique Victorian (Circa 1860 - 1900) Solid 15 Carat Yellow Gold, Opal & Seed Pearl Heart Pendant (No chain). A very pretty yet solid and well made Victorian pendant in the shape of a love heart.

The outer frame is rope textured with seven open collet set freshwater pearls surrounding a heart shaped Opal which is claw set in yellow gold to an open back setting allowing light to shine through. Opals are beautiful when they catch the light and this pendant is a fine example to showcase that. Victorian jewellery often features hearts and opals and this piece is a classic example from that period. Sadly on the day I took the photos and video it was raining so I could not capture the fire the opal gives when.

Light shines through but needless to say like all opals it provides lots of pink orange blues and greens when activated by light touching the stone. The pendant feels weighty and well made when held in the hand. Bearing in mind like all jewellery from this period, the pendant will have been made by "eye and hand" by a skilled artisan at the time. Even the opal will have been shaped and polished by hand, so unlike mass produced jewellery of today, this is truly a one of a kind piece of historical art created as a labour of love and probably given to a sweetheart as an act of love also. The pendant measures approx 1.7 cm with the opal measuring approx 5 mm x 6 mm.

The weight is 3.05 grams. There are no hallmarks or stamps found on the pendant but it tests as 15 carat gold. Excellent condition for an antique piece no chips to the opal, no damage to the pendant as a whole. One of the seed pearls appears to have come out at some point and re-set using some form of adhesive and it rests a little lower in the setting than the rest but this is certainly not noticeable to the naked eye.

Other than that, it appears almost new. None of the pearls have lost their lustre and I have cleaned and polished the pendant so it is ready to wear. The heart motif is never more powerful than when it appears in antique jewellery. The idea that a heart represents the love between two people dates back centuries and still continues today.

Although emblematic in various modern incarnations, such as tattoos and emoticons, it is never more so than in antique jewellery. The heart motif refers to friendship, devotion and affection, although the most powerful and significant of all hearts in jewellery are the versions that refer to deep, romantic and enduring love. Use of the heart shape to represent love was first reported at the end of the Middle Ages. The symbol gained popularity in the 15. Centuries and became widely used in jewellery design throughout the subsequent centuries. He gemstones featured in antique jewellery designs were also significant when it came to the diverse selection of hearts throughout the Georgian and Victorian times. Will come in a little oriental style satin purse. Feel free to ask questions here on. The item "Victorian 15ct Gold Opal & Seed Pearl Heart Shaped Pendant" is in sale since Wednesday, April 29, 2020.

This item is in the category "Jewellery & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewellery\Necklaces & Pendants". The seller is "truvintagediamondsltd" and is located in Darwen. This item can be shipped to North, South, or Latin America, all countries in Europe, all countries in continental Asia, Australia, New Zealand.

• Sub-Type: Not Applicable
• Modified Item: No
• Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown
• Gold Quality: 15 Carat
• Metal: Yellow Gold
• Featured Refinements: 15ct Gold Jewellery
• Type: Pendant/ Locket
• Main Gemstone: Opal
• Antique: Yes
• Era: Victorian (1837-1901)
• Jewellery Department: Fine