ABOUT:
Who needs a little Wisdom?
Wonderful little antique figural pendant in 22k gold and silver of a figural 3D owl face. He has glowing cabochon pink tourmaline eyes amidst a halo of white pearls. In the background of his face are set numerous green emeralds in silver bead prongs with cut down collets along the outside edge.
Very sturdy hand feel, the domed back, loop and bale are in a rich high carat gold while the top half appears to be all topped in silver with the exception of the beak which is again gold. A wonderful accent is the gold beak, and the piece overall has a great coloring and expressiveness to it.
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, owls of course representing wisdom, but also knowledge and intuition.
No hallmarks, This was sold to me as high carat gold and a white precious metal. Indeed all the gold parts (back, loop and bale) held a 22k test, and the white precious metal seems most certainly silver in the manner it displays patina.
Chain in photos is not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos, especially with the zoomed images that I am required to present for detail.
MEASUREMENTS:
This sturdy piece measures 9.5g.
22mm in diameter not including the loop and 11mm thick from the domed back to the raised beak.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Is it just me or is the loop slightly off of center? It just doesn't seem to line up perfectly with his beak - kinda quirky! : ). I can see solder on the loop but I do believe this was always a pendant or watch fob, because there is no evidence of a pin back where it was converted from something else.
Plenty of natural inclusions to the emeralds, many appearing quite frosty, one with two dark carbon speck inclusions. One is chipped on the surface losing most of its table, but still appears round, filling in the setting with green. There are nicks and nibbles to the other stones from age as well. But this was made long before synthetic emeralds were invented so there is comfort there in the quality of the piece! Studying some under magnification they may have the appearance of a crack but it is inclusions within the stone which may carry up to a tiny hairline to the surface but these are natural characteristics of the stones.
Some patina to the back and patina to the silver as well. Recommend not submerging these pieces when the stones are in closed back settings. With so many small stones, we do recommend gentler wear considering this ones age of over 125 years and being in all original condition.
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#qst.(42
