This exceptional piece features a Victorian-era old mine cut diamond, distinguished by its cushion shape, high crown, and softly diffused sparkle—a hallmark of 19th-century craftsmanship. Surrounding the diamond are natural split pearls, displaying a creamy white base with delicate pink-green and silver overtones. Their luminous lustre, paired with minor nacre abrasions, reflects the pearl’s organic origins and the pendant’s storied past.
Guilloché Enamel Craftsmanship
The pendant’s focal point is a deep cobalt guilloché enamel panel, achieved through traditional techniques using cobalt and manganese pigments. The intricate engine-turned pattern beneath the enamel creates a mesmerising play of light, a signature of Victorian artistry.
Historical Adaptation
Originally a circa 1860 brooch, likely a sentimental gift, this piece has been thoughtfully repurposed into a pendant. The original pin was ingeniously reshaped into a looped bail, while the removal of the C-clasp leaves a faint trace of its former design—a subtle nod to its journey through time.
Condition and Character
Embodying the ethos of the circular economy, this pendant arrives pre-loved and steeped in history. The 9 carat gold base bears fine age-related scratches and a warm patina, enhancing its antique charm. The old mine cut diamond features two minor chips to its table facet, which were likely part of the mine cutting process. These are visible under loupe magnification and add to the item's enchanting glow. These imperfections, alongside the pearls’ natural variations, underscore the piece’s authenticity as a genuine Victorian treasure.
This pendant is offered without a chain, allowing the new owner the freedom to pair it with a chain of their choosing. By using an existing chain from your collection, or measuring and obtaining exactly the correct length of chain if a chain is required, we hope this eco-friendly choice conserves mineral resources.
Antique Diamond, Split Pearl & Guilloché Victorian Enamel Pendant
Approximate Pendant Dimensions: 26mm Length (incl bail) x 14mm Width x 5mm Depth
Approximate Diamond Dimensions: 2.5mm Diameter