A beautiful late-Victorian pendant, circa 1900, in 15ct gold — a hallmark that is itself a mark of authenticity, as the 15ct standard was unique to the Victorian and Edwardian periods and was discontinued in Britain in 1932. The design is a large circular openwork disc of 4.4cm diameter, intricately pierced and worked in gold, centred on a lustrous round amethyst and bordered with delicate seed pearls set across the openwork surround. The combination of amethyst and seed pearl was a favourite of late-Victorian jewellers, the purple of the amethyst and the creamy white of the pearls creating a palette of quiet, feminine richness.

At 6.1g and 4.4cm across, this is a pendant of considerable presence — one that would have been worn as a centrepiece on a long chain or velvet ribbon, as was the fashion of the period. A beautifully preserved piece of Victorian jewellery with genuine period character.

The Details

• Circa: 1900
• Metal: 15ct gold (hallmarked 15ct — a Victorian-era standard)
• Centre stone: Amethyst
• Surround: Seed pearls, openwork setting
• Weight: 6.1g
• Diameter: 4.4cm