Adorning Mourning: A Victorian Diamond And Pearl Tribute

A splendid Victorian locket pendant, hailing from the grandeur of the Grand Victorian Period circa 1880, is presented here in very good condition. This 18K bi-colour gold treasure encapsulates the era's penchant for opulent design, adorned with one old European cut diamond and framed by 20 natural half seed pearls. Reflective of the period's fascination with lavishness post the discovery of diamonds in South Africa and the heavy influence of Eastern aesthetics, this piece transcends mere ornamentation, symbolising a profound connection to the mourning jewellery trend of its time, mirroring the sombre sentiment following Prince Albert's demise.

Antique jewelry object group
locket/pendant

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
unknown

Style
Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
See also: Victorian
more info on styles

Style specifics
The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837 - 1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period.

This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period.

Period
ca. 1880
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Material
18K bi-color (yellow and red) gold (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Diamonds
One old European cut diamond with an estimated weight of ± 0.81ct colour and clarity H/J, vs/si
All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.
All diamonds we offer are screened by the I.J.G.C. for whether they are natural or synthetic, and all diamonds in this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural.

Precious stones
20 natural half seed pearls

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and pearl for June.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
No trace.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
height 5,50 cm (2,17 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
13,90 gram (8,94 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
22139-0269

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

Additional information
our latest acquisitions
jewelry glossary
wall of fame
visit us in Antwerp
subscribe to our mailinglist