Deep, velvety purple is the colour of royalty. In times past this colour was reserved for those of noble birth, or for high ranking members of the clergy. The colour of the chosen few. Historically this was mostly due to the incredible cost involved in using pigments of this colour before the development of artificial dyes, but practicalities aside the resplendent hue feels luxurious and regal – does it not?
Pearls were likewise the favoured jewels of kings and queens, they were so incredibly rare before the culturing process was invented that a strand of well matched pearls was worth staggering sums of money. The lustrous nacre formed over the years by an ocean mollusc, who was completely unaware of the value we place on the gem growing inside it.
The deep purple heart in this delightful pendant is an antique amethyst jewel component, probably originally from a Victorian Era necklace. The half-pearl is likewise an antique jewellery component, and the pearl most likely formed organically over decades by an oyster in the ocean (ie: not cultured). The two antique elements have been brought together into something new and a little different.
Manufacture:
Modelled entirely in 14ct yellow gold. There are no hallmarks but the metal content has been verified by XRF test. The heart shaped natural amethyst is deeply saturated purple, the hue shifts from a blue-purple to a pink purple depending on the light. A natural fingerprint inclusion is visible inside the gem, adding a little unique sparkle and shimmer to the gemstone. The amethyst has been verified as natural by an independent gemologist. It is held in an antique multi-clawed coronet setting. The amethyst measures approximately 15.8mm x 16.2mm x 8mm.
Above the amethyst an antique split pearl is held in a bezel setting. The pearl has a full coat of nacre and highly reflective lustre. It measures approximately 6.8mm in diameter x 3.2mm.
An oversized bail loop allows the pendant to be worn on heavier chains or clipped to a dog clip.
The pendant measures 25.08mm (not including the bail) x 16.28mm x 8mm.
Weighs 3.49 grams.
Condition:
In excellent antique condition. The amethyst is free from chips and scratches. One of the tiny claws is missing, but this an aesthetic fault only, mentioned here for transparency.
A deeply saturated antique royal purple amethyst in a 14ct yellow gold coronet setting, with a half pearl crown. Made from antique components remodelled into a delightfully unusual pendant.
The pendant measures 25.08mm (not including the bail) x 16.28mm x 8mm.
Weighs 3.49 grams.
