Large Gold Pendant-Brooch with Peridots & Pearls, Great Britain c. 1905

Many legends have grown up around St. John's Island in the Red Sea, whose peridot deposits once supplied the pharaohs with the spring-green stones. The Greek historian Diodorus wrote that terrible guards would kill anyone who came too close to this island. In any case, the stones could not be seen during the day: They can only be found in the dark, because then they reveal their glow. The name "evening emerald" for the peridot is presumably also based on this legend. The island's peridot deposits were rediscovered in the late 19th century and triggered a great fashion, which also led to the creation of this piece of jewellery. A bright green peridot shines at its center. Floral tendrils and small clover leaves in warm yellow gold frame the stone and form a large heart shape. Numerous white pearls shimmer on all parts of the design. The gold is used in the typical British alloy of 15 carat, which was only in use until 1932. But not only the gold alloy, but also the design of the piece is typically British. Yellow gold with rich pearl trimmings was a big fashion here in the years around the turn of the century. Thanks to a brooch on the back, the piece of jewellery can be worn in two ways, as a pendant and as a brooch. The pendant loop can be unhooked for the latter purpose. We discovered this decorative piece of jewellery in London.

Estimation:€1,690

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