Celestial Orbit : Antique Australian Aquamarine and Paste Necklet in 9ct by Webster & Cohen of Melbourne

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A beautiful Edwardian Era celestial jewel by early Australian jewellers Webster & Cohen, circa 1907-1918. Celestial jewellery has a timeless appeal, during the Edwardian era the crescent moon was a romantic symbol of new love. Moon shaped jewellery was often given as honeymoon tokens of affection during the first year of marriage.

Made in 9ct gold throughout, the necklace features a mixture of natural aquamarine gemstones and pale blue paste. The stones are so beautiful and well matched in brightness and hue you would have to get them under a microscope to be able to tell which are the natural and which the imitation gemstones. It is no unusual to find antique jewellery with a mixture of natural gemstones and paste, especially early Australian pieces. Gemstone supplies were limited and took many months to arrive by sea, often jewellers were able to make miraculous jewels with what they had at hand. It’s an authentic part of the story of early Australian jewellery.

A wonderfully unusual piece of Australian jewellery history.

Manufacture:
Modelled in 9ct gold and hallmarked on the reverse with the magnet symbol used by Webster & Cohen and 9 for 9ct gold. Webster & Cohen traded on Little Collins Street, Melbourne from 1907 – 1918.

The necklet is formed in two sections: a crescent moon shape is attached to the lengths of chain, beneath it dangles the tail of the comet which is formed by three lengths of gold each one terminating with a claw setting.

The necklet is set with natural seed pearls, two pear cut natural aquamarines in the tail of the comet and two oval cut blue paste stones imitating aquamarine. It is on a short length of chain so as to rest between the collarbones, as was the fashion of the day – this could easily be replaced by your local jeweller with a longer length of chain if you wish to wear it lower. Fastens with a barrel clasp.

The necklace is 40cm (15 3/4″) long and fastens with the original barrel clasp.
The pendant section measures 54mm x 20.25mm x 4.1mm.
Weighs 3.91 grams.

Condition: 
In very good antique condition. Ready for immediate wear.