15ct Gold Peridot Pendant
A 15ct gold peridot pendant brings together vivid green stones and warm high-carat gold, capturing the delicate elegance of the early twentieth century.
15ct Gold Peridot Pendant
A 15ct gold peridot pendant is a piece of antique jewellery typically formed around the turn of the twentieth century during the Edwardian period and the height of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements. These jewels combine bright green peridot stones with lower-copper 15ct yellow gold, often incorporating seed pearls to soften the geometric lines.
The most common forms you will encounter on this page include drop pendants, lavalieres, and garland necklaces that suspend central peridot clusters from delicate chains. Makers frequently arranged these stones in floral motifs or symmetrical garlands, aligning with the prevailing tastes of the Edwardian era.
Many examples also reflect the colours of the Suffragette movement by pairing green peridots with purple amethysts and white pearls or sapphires. These pieces serve both as decorative items and as historical artefacts of early twentieth-century social history.
How they were made
Goldsmiths constructed these pieces primarily in 15ct yellow gold, sometimes incorporating platinum for fine settings or enamel and plique-à-jour work to introduce translucent colour. The metal was drawn into fine wire or cast into organic floral and ribbon shapes typical of Art Nouveau design.
Peridots were precision-cut and held securely in claw or bezel settings, accompanied by tiny drilled seed pearls threaded on silk or linked with tiny wire hinges. This construction allowed the central drops to articulate freely, catching the light with every movement of the wearer.
Several peridot pendants double as subtle political statements, wearing the green, white, and violet of the Suffragette movement in precious gemstones.
What varies in quality
Quality in these pendants rests upon the saturation and clarity of the peridot stones, alongside the complexity of the goldwork. Superior examples display deeply vibrant green peridots free from visible inclusions, set within intricate hand-wrought frames rather than simpler stamped mounts.
The integration of supplementary materials such as undamaged plique-à-jour enamel or perfectly matched natural seed pearls elevates a piece. Makers who employed delicate millegrain edging and balanced proportions achieved a lasting refinement that distinguishes finer workshops from standard production.
Murrle Bennett
The 15ct Gold Peridot Pendant Glossary
- Lavalier
- A pendant featuring a central stone with one or more suspended drops hanging below. This style gained immense popularity during the Edwardian period.
- Plique-a-jour
- An enamelling technique where enamel is applied within a wire framework without a backing, creating a translucent, stained-glass effect. It is frequently seen in Art Nouveau pieces.
- Seed pearl
- A very small, naturally occurring or early cultured pearl, often half-drilled and glued or pegged onto tiny pins in cluster settings. They provide a soft white contrast to bright green peridots.
- Edwardian
- A period of jewellery design spanning the reign of King Edward VII, characterised by light, graceful motifs like garlands, ribbons, and bows. Platinum and high-carat gold were frequently utilised.
- Art Nouveau
- An international style of art and jewellery notable for its incorporation of sinuous, organic lines and floral forms. Pieces from this movement often reflect natural asymmetry.
15ct Gold Peridot Pendant: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I date a 15ct gold peridot pendant?
You can date these pieces by examining their stylistic markers, such as the flowing organic lines of Art Nouveau or the symmetrical garlands of the Edwardian era. The use of 15ct gold also points directly to the period before the standard was lowered to 9ct.
Makers' marks stamped on the reverse or the jump ring can also help identify specific workshops active around nineteen hundred to nineteen ten.
How should I care for my peridot jewellery?
Peridot is a softer gemstone than diamond or sapphire, rating around six and a half to seven on the Mohs scale. You should clean your pendant gently using warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners.
Store the piece separately from harder jewels to prevent scratching the gold or the stones.
Are these pieces suitable for everyday wear?
While antique 15ct gold pendants are remarkably well made, their delicate seed pearls and fine chains require thoughtful care. They tolerate regular wear if treated gently and removed before strenuous activities or sleeping.
Checking the security of the jump rings and settings periodically ensures the piece remains safe during use.