Antique Gold Pendant with a Pearl & Sapphires, c. 1910

“The characteristic shape of the pendants is consistently round, sometimes quite large, and always openwork,” wrote the Deutsche Goldschmiede-Zeitung in 1910 regarding the latest fashion from Monte Carlo (DGZ No. 17, 1910, p. 145). This piece of jewellery clearly reflects that fashion trend. It is crafted in gold with small sapphires and a pearl, as it was intended to be worn even during the day. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, stricter rules of conduct applied than today when it came to wearing jewellery. In church, for example, one did not wear jewellery made of overly precious materials; in 1888, the German fashion magazine *Bazar* recommended silver jewellery in Renaissance styles for this occasion. If one was invited for tea, it was perfectly acceptable to wear colored gemstones accented with diamonds, but one should under no circumstances outshine the hostess. During the day, women adorned themselves simply and stylishly with coral or garnet jewellery. In Great Britain in particular, gold jewelry set with fine seed pearls and accented with pastel-colored gemstones was a favorite choice in the early 20th century. A shimmering natural pearl takes center stage in the design. It is framed by a wreath of eight small sapphires. A sun-like wreath forms another concentric ring in the airy, openwork pendant. We discovered the pendant here in Berlin and paired it with a matching gold chain.

Estimate:£825.2

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