Fascinating Antique Pendant Made of a Natural Blister Pearl & Diamonds

Antique pieces of jewellery derive their value from two qualities. On the one hand, there is the craftsmanship, the precision of which and the beauty of the form are often unmatched today. Equally important are the materials, many of which can no longer be found or are no longer used to make jewellery. This pendant was crafted from a large, natural blister pearl. It is an unusual piece—a large, creamy-white drop of mother-of-pearl that formed inside a mussel. Its surface consists of intertwined shapes; it appears organic, dynamic, and unique. It is a product of nature—not a cultured pearl, but a chance discovery in a freshwater mussel, the kind that is now rarely found in Europe. The skilled goldsmith has set the blister with diamonds and transformed it into a precious pendant, featuring settings in white gold and platinum. Its unfortunately faint mark on the side of the pendant loop, together with the gold hallmark in the shape of an eagle’s head, indicates that the pendant was made in France, most likely in Paris. Jewellery featuring bizarrely shaped pearls—so-called “monster pearls”—was all the rage during the Baroque period, when people saw small figures, little people, or animals within the pearls and turned them into curiosities for cabinets of curiosities. Such a figurative interpretation was no longer in vogue by the 20th century, but the anonymous goldsmith could not pass up this precious treasure of the sea either: He therefore created this pendant, which presents the pearl blister as an object—a whim of nature, shimmering in shades of precious white. We discovered the pendant, along with its antique silver chain, in Munich. An independent expert appraisal of the materials is included with the pendant.

Estimate:£3,913.01

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