Grandeur from the past that looks so au courant...it's at your fingertips.

Eight huge oval and faceted amethyst colored paste stones will fool even the most discerning. Siberian deep purple in color, there is nothing that natural amethyst has that these don't (other than the price tag).

Each is a luxurious 7/8 in inches by 5/8 inches in size, and if they were amethysts, their weight would be 12 carats each or 96 carats total!

Pinchbeck's heyday came to a close around this time (circa 1830-40). Many incorrectly label rolled gold, gold plate or similar techniques Pinchbeck, but most are not. This is true Pinchbeck that doesn't tarnish or fade.

Two characteristics to look for are the repoussé technique (thin sheets in three-dimensional relief pressed out from the reverse) as well as multiple colors. In this case, green gold color and bright yellow gold color.

Alternating a paste and its decorate surround with a scrolled and acanthus leaf motif link, it is a spectacular find. The collar is 16 1/8 inches so will fit most any neck in style.