Colonial Summer Sunshine: Antique Australian 20ct Gold Floral Pendant with Pink Stone

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A gloriously detailed, handmade pendant from the early “High Colonial” period in Australia, circa 1850s – 1870’s.

Manufacture:
This pendant is an absolute marvel of repoussé work – a sheet of 22ct gold has been pressed and moulded from the reverse into the shapes of petals and leaves with highly intricate detailing. A single flower with pink paste stone at its centre and flanked by two wonderfully detailed leaves hangs upside down inside an oval frame. Above the scrolling tendrils the frame is topped with classical motifs. Below the floral emblem a golden tear-shaped element with raised bobbles is suspended by a loop and trembles delicately with movement.

As is typical of the period the pendant bears no hallmarks, but has been XRF tested to verify it is 20ct gold throughout. The pendant measures 49.9mm from the top of the bail to the bottom of the drop, it is 15.35mm wide and 6.83mm deep. Weighs 2 grams

Similar jewels can be seen in the book Australian Jewellery by Schofield and Fahy on pages 37, 57, 140 & 234

Condition:
The pendant is in excellent condition with no faults to note. I did consider swapping the pink paste for a gemstone, but as it is all 100% original I decided against it. There is a small chip to the paste which is not noticeable to the naked eye.

The accompanying 45cm rolled gold chain is included.

You can see a short video of this piece on my Instagram account @secret_histories, or online here.

Surviving Australian jewels of this era are scarce. I have not been able to find another to ascertain a correct market value. I discovered her in a small outback town in the Copper Triangle where she had been incorrectly identified, and am happy to pass along my good fortune to you so that she can again be worn and cherished.

Description

A gloriously detailed, handmade pendant from the early “High Colonial” period in Australia, circa 1850s – 1870’s.

This pendant is an absolute marvel of repoussé work – a sheet of 22ct gold has been pressed and moulded into the shapes of petals and leaves with highly intricate detailing. A single flower with pink paste stone at its centre and flanked by two wonderfully detailed leaves hangs upside down inside an oval frame. Above the scrolling tendrils the frame is topped with classical motifs. Below the floral emblem a golden tear-shaped element with raised bobbles is suspended by a loop and trembles delicately with movement.

As is typical of the period the pendant bears no hallmarks, but has been XRF tested to verify it is 20ct gold throughout. The pendant measures 49.9mm from the top of the bail to the bottom of the drop, it is 15.35mm wide and 6.83mm deep. Weighs 2 grams

Similar jewels can be seen in the book Australian Jewellery by Schofield and Fahy on pages 37, 57, 140 & 234

The pendant is in excellent condition with no faults to note. I did consider swapping the pink paste for a gemstone, but as it is all 100% original I decided against it. There is a small chip to the paste which is not noticeable to the naked eye.

The accompanying 45cm rolled gold chain is included.

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