Victorian Diamond and Ruby Eternity Pendant

Victorian_Rose_Cut_Diamond_and_Ruby_Eternity_Pendant

This glorious Victorian pendant is a recent addition to our collection. The pendant features a circle with an eternity knot at its top, set with rose cut diamonds. Within the circle is an articulated pendulum of a trio of old mine cut diamonds. At the base of the circle is an inner line of channel set rubies, all set in 12ct yellow gold. Being Victorian, there is a high chance this pendant was worn on a silk ribbon on the neck.

Circa: Victorian
Gemstone: Diamonds and Rubies
Cut: Old Mine Cut and Rose Cut
Carat: Old Mine Cut Diamonds 4 = 0.60ct
52 Rose Cut Diamonds measure 1.50 to 2.50 mm each
32 Rubies measure 1.00 mm each
Material: 12ct Yellow Gold
Motif: Eternity Knot symbolic of everlasting, usually in marriage.
Accompanied by an independant Ian Abeshouse valuation

Victorian Period (1837 - 1901):   
The Victorian Period defined by none other than Queen Victoria herself, had three stages - the Romantic, the Grand and the Aesthetic.

It was during the Romantic era that Queen Victoria married her Prince, Albert. Sentimental motifs such as; hearts, lover’s knots, flowers, bows, crescent moons and particularly serpents (which was subject to Queen Victoria’s engagement ring which represented enduring love) became extremely popular in jewellery design. Cameos, Enamelling and the use of bright coloured gemstones such as; garnets, amethysts, turquoise, pearls and diamonds gave way to the creation of jewellery that was beginning to speak a symbolic language of its own.  

The Grand era was a sombre period which saw Queen Victoria mourning the death of her beloved husband Albert. It encompassed 20 years during which time Victoria would only wear black and mourning jewellery. As a result the Whitby Jet industry flourished and onyx and deeper coloured garnets rose in popularity. Rings, lockets and brooches were commissioned with compartments for a lock of a loved one’s hair and were often engraved with the person’s name, age and date of death.  

The Aesthetic era saw a return to the light-heartedness of the Romantic Era. The discoveries being made through archaeology led to an Etruscan Revival with Greek, Roman and Renaissance influences becoming apparent in jewellery design as well as symbols of good luck and fortune.