A remarkable pendant from Soviet Russia, circa 1940–50, centred on a deep purple Siberian amethyst of an estimated 16 carats — a stone of exceptional size and colour. Siberian amethyst, mined in the Ural Mountains, has long been considered the finest amethyst in the world, prized for its intense, saturated purple with characteristic red and blue flashes. The stone is secured in a refined 14ct gold rub-over setting with delicate milgrain edge detailing, framed by elegant laurel leaf motifs and suspended from an articulated gold bow loop.

The hallmark — 583 with hammer and sickle — is the Soviet standard for 14ct gold (583 parts per thousand), used in the USSR from the 1920s through to the 1990s. It is a mark of genuine historical provenance, placing this pendant firmly within the Soviet jewellery tradition of the mid-20th century. A piece of considerable beauty and fascinating origin.

The Details

• Circa: 1940–1950, Russia
• Metal: 14ct gold (hallmarked 583 with hammer and sickle)
• Stone: Siberian amethyst, est. 16cts
• Weight: 10.5g
• Dimensions: 5 × 2.5cm