BUG Large GARNET Wings Rose Cut Diamond French Antique Victorian Figural Pendant 18k Gold Figural

ABOUT:

Oh those clever Victorians and their wonderful, whimsical figural jewelry! Thank heavens for them!
Here we have a fabulous and nice sized bug pendant that has two custom cut glossy glowing red garnets to serve as the wings. They flare out slightly to reveal the body which, along with the head and antennae are encrusted with rose cut diamonds.

The Victorians were fascinated with nature and also with jewelry, and we see some wonderful designs come from the period incorporating both of these delights. As the figural pieces of the Victorian era often held a symbolism, beetles were viewed as amulets of good luck and protection. Indeed wearing bugs during the Victorian period was seen as genteel!

The piece is crafted in 18k gold with the diamond settings topped in silver as was customary for the period. I love the six curved gold wire legs. Even the underside of the body is ribbed like a beetle for added detail. The garnets have a fabulous red color with a glow from within. Please note it was overcast here in MN when I photographed it so the color will be even more vibrant in brighter light.

I got this awhile ago in France, Paris to be exact and have enjoyed it in my personal collection. I think it may have been a brooch originally. The benefit to this is that it was very very gently worn and does not show the signs of wear and tear - the garnets are particularly glossy. The piece is in 18k gold (the standard there), topped in silver which is also a customary fabrication. The loops test at 14k. No hallmarks remain as it was likely stamped on whatever it was before. The back has a lovely rosy patina.

Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures. Some of my buyers "draw out" an example to get an idea of scale in person.

Antique Boxes, props, chains, mice : ) not included.

MEASUREMENTS:

28mm to the attached loop by 13mm x 7.5mm deep. It weighs a sturdy 5.2g. The diamonds are each 1.5 to 2mm.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Typical antique diamonds with natural inclusions, some nicks or a tiny frosty / unpolished area here and there to the old cut stones. Again, mostly seen under magnification since they are small diamonds. These are the old, quite rough hand cut stones that may have always been this way, they provide a beautiful untamed sparkle and that great antique look but definitely have some jagged edges and a few warm hues to the ones on the body due to age to the closed back.

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

Striking to wear with the figural shape. Due to age, I would avoid getting it wet.

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