Mouse's House Antiques
PANSY French Purple Pyrope GARNET Antique 18k Gold Medallion Pendant on FiX GF Chain ViCTORIAN
PANSY French Purple Pyrope GARNET Antique 18k Gold Medallion Pendant on FiX GF Chain ViCTORIAN
ABOUT:
This is a release from my personal collection.
Pansies are a favorite antique jewelry motif of mine and here is a striking French antique 18k gold pendant on a "FIX" brand quality gold filled chain that is also antique.
The pendant is crafted in 18k solid gold, with applied pansy motif. The flower petals are set with old cut purple garnets, the bottom petals are a textured gold and the center are set with a tiny pearl. I was told where I purchased them in France that they are pyrope garnets.
This was likely an antique pin or other jewelry element that was converted to a necklace with the addition of the also antique gold filled chain made by Fix, best of the best in terms of antique gold fill. The FIX hallmark on the chain indicates a process of high quality hot gold foil laminating onto brass created by Francois Savard of Paris in the late 1800s / early 1900s. This FIX mark indicates that an unusually thick layer of 14-18k gold foil over brass forms the jewelry to withstand long term wear. It can sometimes be mistaken for and acid tests as real gold. The FIX stamp was registered to protect the integrity of this superior quality laminated gold filled jewelry and the company used only the best Art Nouveau designers of the time. It ages just beautifully.
The pansy flower was used in Victorian times as a symbol of remembrance. The name "pansy" is derived from the French word pensée, "thought". It universally meant "think of me," so it would also serve as a very thoughtful or romantic gift.
Chain is marked, no hallmarks remain on the pansy piece as it may have been converted. Sold to me as 18k which is the standard in France and tested to confirm.
Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos. Some of my buyers draw it out.
MEASUREMENTS:
The pendant is 16mm in diameter. Chain is a little over 15 1/4 inches in length so note the shorter length. It weighs 5.2 grams but again the chain is gold filled.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. Presents beautifully with rich antique gold patina. Some surface wear that can catch the light mostly in direct sun But because it was likely a brooch, it was very lightly worn with perfect condition to the garnet with no abrasions. A little adhesive around the bezel set pearl, but piece appears tidy. Still perfectly shaped and positively glows with the rich gold and beautiful purple gems. It is lovely. I do notice in handling it that it tips forward some, just due to gravity and where the loops on each side are located but when resting against the decollette, it seemed to stay flat for me while wearing it since it is a shorter chain.
There are no dark spots to the gold, it was just difficult to photograph because it is so shiny and mirrored that it reflects its surroundings. Please also note that I take some photos / videos in the sunshine because it captures the lovely color and sparkle, but it also highlights any surface wear, scratches, abrasions, buildup or inclusions that can catch the light, making these things appear worse than they would with normal day to day wear. : ) Hopefully the pics in all lightning conditions help as they serve as part of the description.
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 : )
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SOCIAL:
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