ABOUT:
Wonderful French antique cluster pendant in a floral shape featuring nine rose cut diamonds in varying shapes and sizes set into the petals, the largest are pear shaped. Always love finding antique diamonds in alternating shapes. These are not the thinly sliced disc antique diamonds, rather they have a nicely domed top, especially the center pear which measures 7.5 by 6mm. Very loose estimate since exact measurements are unknown but conservatively around 2.4 carats? So quite a striking and unique pendant.
Found in France, this Victorian era piece, presumedly in the Georgian style, sets all the diamonds in cut down collets with little bead prongs. The foil backs behind the diamonds are in nice condition considering age, without any rusty or muddy spots from moisture reaching the inside of the setting. So it presents an exceptional sparkle and bright color, contrasting against the antique patina of the 18k gold.
It really wears beautifully in a larger size with eye catching figural floral shape. No hallmarks but sold to me as 18k gold which is the standard in France and tested to confirm.
Antique boxes, chains, props in photos is not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos.
SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:
Exact carat weight is unknown as there is no way to measure depth in these closed back settings and I would not remove the stones from the antique setting. But the largest center stone measures about 7.5mm by 6mm so it should be around 1 carat. The next largest stones at 12 and 6 o'clock are 5.5 by 4.5mm (.3ct each?), then at 3 and 9 o'clock they measure about 4.2 by 3.5mm (.2ct each?). The other four stones are about 3mm give or take (.1 ct?). These measurements are just measuring the exposed tops of the stones, as they widen out a further unknown amount in the setting.
Very loose estimate of 2.4 carats appearing even larger to the eye if they were brilliant cut stones with pavilions below. Rose cuts have a lower comparative carat weight than a modern diamond but the surface area gives it the appearance of a larger carat stone. A round modern brilliant diamond with 1 carat total weight has a diameter of around 6.5mm for comparison's sake and to give you an idea of scale. Please use the millimeter measurements above to form your own calculations as well : )
It measures 27mm top to bottom including the attached loop (but not the dangling ring) by 19mm east west and stands 6mm deep to the top crown of the raised center rose cut. It weighs 3.8 grams.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
The foil is not perfect but as someone who looks at antique jewelry all day every day, I would say it is better than most. Some cloudiness and spotting, some reflecting more of a gray hue but we sometimes find these with the foil rusted to a dark brown or almost black. This one is in good shape with the silvery gray hues. The center diamond and I think a few others have a black dot painted inside, similar to black dot paste to mimic a pavilion and culet. Some nicks and/or shallow flake of loss to one area of the outside on two of the stones. And one has an indented natural inclusion, a natural characteristic of the stone which has carried up to the surface. The others also have some frosty inclusions, specks and cloudy spots. It is difficult to tell exactly what is within the stone and what is age to the foil behind it reflecting around the stone.
We should avoid getting these wet but other than that, this one is sturdy and not overly fragile so she is ready for wear. Note that the top loop is curled over itself and not soldered. That is just how it was made. It is not in any danger of coming free from the loop as it is coiled tightly. Some patina in the recesses of the gold petals from age.
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 : )
SOCIAL:
Please 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 : )
All items hand picked by me, one at a time from all over the world. All listings individually written by me, and not AI, after studying each piece to discuss its beauties and its ; ) eccentricities (which I am picky to point out).
Box#Qc.1@2$
