Grand Victorian Enamel Necklace & Pendant Brooch

Pendants and matching necklaces were very much the fashion during the decades of 1860 and 1870. In fact jeweled and enameled pendants with matching chains were a mainstay for master jeweler Giuliano.

Marvelous in design and exquisite in craftsmanship, this Victorian necklace displays the much sought-after versatility usually found in earlier jewelry with brooch fittings on the reverse of the pendant. The flexible 18k yellow gold chain employs decorative links accented with hollow gold beads appointed with white enamel, blue turquoise cabochons, twisted gold bead and wire work.

The yellow gold oval pendant, with white enamel highlights, incorporates four cutouts on the perimeter which is edged with a torsade of gold roping which also compliments the turquoise enamel dome inset with a star motif accented with pearls. The reverse of the pendant locket reveals a glass covered hair compartment which is now empty. The turquoise enamel symbolizes “remembrance” and the pearls represent purity and love.

This necklace cum pendant can be worn a number of ways with the extra length of links to either extend the chain or use to suspend the locket pendant from its removable bale.

Measurements: Chain with extra length is 19-1/3 inches (49.4 cm) in length and 17-5/8 inches (44.7 cm) without. Locket is 1-1/4 inches (3.3 cm) in length by 1-3/16 inches (3 cm) in width by 5/8 of an inch (1.5 cm) in depth. Locket and chain together has a weight of 37.3 grams (24 dwt); locket alone is 11.7 grams (7.5 dwt); chain is 25.6 grams (16.5 dwt).

Condition: Excellent; some dark patina to gold back of brooch. Locket interior has some remnants of blue fabric.

Date & Origin: Circa 1860 and is most likely English in origin.

Overall Scale: Medium