Antique Victorian 9 Carat Gold Citrine Heart Pendant, Chester 1899
There is something irresistibly romantic about a Victorian heart jewel, and this wonderful example carries all the sentiment and craftsmanship that made these treasures so beloved at the close of the nineteenth century.
At its centre sits a gorgeous heart-shaped citrine, its warm golden tones glowing beautifully within a traditional collet setting. The stone possesses that rich honeyed brilliance so admired by Victorian jewellers, creating a striking contrast against the warm lustre of the gold.
Suspended above the heart is a charming gold Victorian love knot, fashioned in a twisted rope design. Knot motifs were treasured by the Victorians as emblems of affection, friendship and devotion, appearing frequently in sentimental jewellery of the period.
The pendant is completed by a 9 carat surmount and jump ring, allowing it to be worn immediately upon a favourite chain.
A delightful and highly wearable piece of authentic Victorian jewellery, this pendant combines romantic symbolism, antique charm and superb period craftsmanship in one elegant package.
Hallmarks
The jump ring is stamped:
9.375
The pendant itself is stamped:
W&R (maker's mark)
Chester Assay Office mark
9.375
Date letter "Q" for 1899-1900
In addition, the reverse of the collet setting is also stamped:
9.375
These marks confirm the pendant as a genuine late Victorian example assayed in Chester during the final years of the nineteenth century.
A Vintage Virtue Note
Victorian jewellery was rich in meaning, and few motifs expressed affection more powerfully than the heart and love knot together. With its glowing citrine heart and symbolic knot of eternal devotion, this charming pendant remains every bit as romantic today as it was when it left Chester over 125 years ago, at the turn of the twentieth century.
