Captain Starlight : Antique Star Pendant in 15ct with Pink Garnet and Pearls

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A golden star with a deep pink glowing heart. This antique pendant is handmade in 15ct gold in the shape of a six rayed star, each ray terminating with a whole natural pearl tucked into its own gold bezel. At the centre of the star sits a large, plump and juicy natural almandine garnet held in a claw setting to allow light to penetrate the stone from all angles. The whole effect is deeply unusual, and therefore difficult to place on a historical timeline! Celestial jewels have been popular for centuries, particularly the 19th and early in the 20th century, the 15ct gold does help place it within the Victorian /Edwardian Eras – 15ct was  introduced in 1854 and discontinued in 1931 in favour of 14ct. I always though that was a pity as 15ct has a very special golden glow that other carats just can’t match.

Star jewellery was a popular gift for young women during the late victorian and Edwardian Eras, circa 1860 – 1910. Single stars often represented a guiding light that would shine the way; the centre stone was symbolic of the heart – in this case our guiding star has rosy pink stone, full of loving tenderness. Garnet is also the birthstone for January, so perhaps that is a little clue about the original owner, although pink garnets are always a popular choice. The oversized bail allows the pendant to be strung on heavy gauge gold chains, or strands of beads.

Manufacture: 
Handmade in 15ct gold, the pendant bears no hallmarks but the gold content has been verified by XRF test. The lack of hallmarks is quite usual for antique jewellery, particularly for pieces made in the British colonies. It is possible that this is an Australian Made jewel.

At the centre of the star is a 5.18mm diameter cushion cut natural almandine garnet, held in a multi-claw setting. At the end of each ray is a whole natural pearl, set into a bezel with milgrain detail.

The star measures 30.36mm (not including the bail) x 25.01mm x 4.5mm. It has a drop of 36.9mm.
Weighs 3.37 grams.

Condition: Excellent. Very minor signs of wear, no faults to note. Ready for immediate wear.