Natural pearls are the treasure of the ages – prized for centuries and millennia, their rarity is matched only by their beauty.

Before modern techniques allowed for man-made cultured pearls, they were considered only in the purview of royals or the highest echelons of societies. Even today, natural pearls are scarce and larger specimens are rare and costly.

Here eleven baroque pearls are laid within a sumptuous gold setting of close to 24k.

Dating to the mid-18th, the pendant consists of domes of gold forming a throne for each pearl. Each is divided into twelve sections that are shaped to form pillows cupping the seven major pearls.

Drilled in the center, the main pearls are kept in place with a pin secured on the reverse. Creamy pinks, bronze, taupes, and ecrus are the iridescent hues that radiate from their glowing surfaces.

Tiny natural seed pearls are wired and provide a collar for each.

The gold work is a marvel – all handmade – each element is distinct and no two sections are exactly alike. Notice the open scrolls of gold and the impressed tips on the outer edges.

The reverse reveals plump convex domes. Many a jewel from the 18th century harbors these sculptural backs. Heavenly and opulent.