ABOUT:
Here is another antique component that lived another life before becoming the pendant it is now. I'm not exactly sure what it was or what it came from, I purchased it from an estate jeweler friend who had just the oval component alone, so I sent it to Collins Family Jewelers to help me add the loop and jump ring so it is ready to wear as a pendant. But a one of one hard to find antique piece.
I think it might be French? There are no hallmarks on it. It's 18k gold and it has the most beautifully detailed, hand painted image of a queen or goddess in profile. Quite possibly Minerva, or possibly Athena with the wings on the crown?
It's quite expertly constructed - They enameled the white background around the outside and allowed the gold to shine through for her crown which is winged and engraved - again the most incredible detail. Her face is beautifully painted. As an added treat, two tiny rose cuts are applied on the shoulder and head to add a glint of sparkle.
She's so beautiful, would be an excellent necklace or bracelet charm with the smaller size but incredible imagery.
Antique box / props not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
17x12mm including the attached small loop but not including the dangling jump ring.
The pendant weighs just 1.7 grams.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Super legible with the artwork all appearing complete. There are nibbles and nicks the white enamel outline but the coloring is mostly complete still. And then there is a larger shallow circular flake of loss that extends over her face but it is only a loss to the clear coat coating over the painted artwork. It does not affect the graphic in anyway, but rather, originally it would have had an all over glossy sheen over the artwork and now when you study the surface in a reflection, you can see a bit of unevenness to that clear coat. It's a difference in sheen more than anything as it is still completely legible and an incredible work of art. She's beautiful. Maybe just some caution in a neck mess where it could rattle around a lot, just to avoid any further chipping. I'd avoid getting it wet too although enamel is pretty durable!
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 : )
I dearly love, collect, use and sell antiques so please check out my other listings and thanks so much for stopping by my shop!
SOCIAL:
Please also feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )
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