Honesty Buds : 15ct Turquoise and Blister Pearl Lavalier Pendant by Liberty & Co.

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Sometimes I find rare and exciting things, this is definitely one of them.

An absolutely magical Arts and Crafts Movement handmade 15ct yellow gold pendant, set with natural turquoise and blister pearls, made by the famous jewellery house Liberty & Co. of London, circa 1900.

The pendant is unsigned, but it is illustrated in the Liberty Design sketchbook (page 280, model 221, please see photo of sketch courtesy of the Westminster Library). Other jewels with similar design elements have been attributed to Liberty & Co. by both Tadema Gallery and the British Museum. Some researchers ascribe the design to Archibald Knox, and others to Bernard Cuzner – both esteemed and collectable jewellers under the employ of Liberty & Co.

I recognised the design the instant I lad eyes on it, and upon holding it and feeling the superb workmanship I was convinced that this must be a Liberty & Co. jewel, my subsequent research was able to confirm my theory which was a true thrill for a jewel nerd and art lover like me!

The design in in a heart shape, covered with tendrils and leaf-like bud shapes, known as “honesty buds” – which I believe is in reference to a flowering plant. I love the idea of swollen buds of honesty, so romantic in combination with the turquoise (“think of me”) and pearl (purity and virtue).

Manufacture: 
Handmade in 15ct gold, with two robins egg blue natural turquoise cabochons and two oval shaped blister pearls in bezel settings, and a smaller blister pearl dangle at the bottom. The pendant has no hallmarks, the gold content has been verified as 15ct by XRF test.

The pendant measures 47.3mm x 25.7mm x 3.5mm.
Weighs 3.5 grams.

I have strung it on a fine 46.5cm antique 9ct gold chain which is included. The bail is an integrated part of the pendant and only allows for a fine chain.

Condition: 
Excellent. Minimal signs of wear.
A treasure and an investment.

Description

Handmade in 15ct gold, with two robins egg blue natural turquoise cabochons and two oval shaped blister pearls in bezel settings, and a smaller blister pearl dangle at the bottom.

The pendant measures 47.3mm x 25.7mm x 3.5mm.
Weighs 3.5 grams.

I have strung it on a fine 46.5cm antique 9ct gold chain which is included. The bail is an integrated part of the pendant and only allows for a fine chain.