Green & Gold : Antique Australian Gold Rush Era Malachite and 18ct Gold Pendant with Tassel

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A true little Australian gem through and through, this sweet pendant is made from South Australian malachite from Burra and framed in 18ct yellow gold, likely mined in the Barossa Valley. Dating to the Australian colonial “gold rush” era circa 1860, examples of malachite jewellery from this period are extremely rare and collectable. An heirloom jewel.

Pendants of this size were not in fashion during the 1860s, so it is quite likely that this piece was originally an earring that has been repurposed into its current form. Examples of early Australian malachite jewellery can be seen on page 57 of Australian Jewellery of the 19th and Early 20th Century by Schofield and Fahy. The South Australian Museum and the Powerhouse Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences both have early Australian “high colonial” malachite jewellery examples in their collections.

Manufacture: 
There are no hallmarks to be found on the pendant, which is correct for Australian jewels of this era. The metal content has been confirmed by XRF test as 18ct gold.
A border of flowers and leaves with scrollwork surrounds the top half of the bezel set malachite cabochon. From the bottom of the pendant a small golden tassel dangles. The overall effect is quite charming.

The pendant has a total drop of 45.22mm. It is 15.07mm wide and 6.16mm deep.
Weighs 2.88 grams.

The malachite cabochon measures 17mm x 11mm x 3.2mm.

Available with an optional 41cm (16.14″) antique rope chain necklace, weighing 4.24 grams. The necklace fastens with a barrel clasp and has a 9c hallmark plate, however it XRF tests as 16ct gold. I suspect this is a 9ct gold chain that has been heavily gilded in 18ct.

Condition: 
In excellent antique condition, this piece has been professionally cleaned and the malachite has been polished to a high lustre. There is an indentation on one side of the malachite, however I believe this is a natural feature of the organic gemstone and not a flaw.