Late 19th Century 18k Gold Etruscan Revival Pendant With Turquoise & Pearls

Details

Description

This beautiful 18K gold Etruscan Revival Pendant has been tastefully converted from a horizontal bar pin to a vertical pendant.

… Read more This beautiful 18K gold Etruscan Revival Pendant has been tastefully converted from a horizontal bar pin to a vertical pendant.

The design has a diagonal swatch comprised of turquoise and pearls, with some nice decorative wirework and beaded granulation. The two pearls measure 1.5 mm and the three turquoise measure about 2 mm. The surface of the pendant has a neat textured finish, almost like the surface of actual gold nuggets. It was made by applying heated gold on gold thus creating this texture.

Etruscan Revival jewelry has a rich and interesting history. In the early 1800s there was a large excavation of Etruscan tombs outside of Rome. Within these tombs were pieces of original Etruscan jewelry. The Etruscans were master artisans, they created breathtaking pieces of jewelry through their use of gold wire and beading, colored gemstones and glass. The news of the excavation of these tombs, and the treasures contained inside them, spread throughout Europe. Etruscan style jewelry captured the imagination of the public and soon jewelers intrigued by the designs. Etruscan revival jewelry rose to popularity with the people of the Victorian era. Inspired by the Etruscans, jewelers implemented the use of wirework, beading, filigree and granulation.

The bail measures 2.8 mm by 4 mm fitting an array of chain sizes. The pendant measures 1 1/2" by 1/4" and weighs 3.1 grams. One of the pearls exhibits some crazing. The piece is unmarked but acid tests to be 18K gold. See less