Openwork Diamond Drop Pendant
An openwork diamond drop pendant balances fine metalwork with stones, offering a delicate silhouette suited to both evening wear and daily use.
Openwork Diamond Drop Pendant
An openwork diamond drop pendant is a suspended piece of jewellery featuring pierced metal settings that showcase diamonds in a cascading vertical format. These items span periods from the Edwardian era through the Art Deco years and into the mid-twentieth century.
The versions most commonly met on this page combine platinum or silver settings with gold foundations, incorporating drops set with diamonds alongside coloured stones like rubies, aquamarines, and natural pearls. Forms range from strict geometric Art Deco layouts to flowing Edwardian and Art Nouveau curves.
How they were made
Maker's work relied heavily on platinum and silver fused to gold backings, allowing artisans to pierce the metal into intricate openwork lattices while maintaining structural strength. This technique created lightweight mounts that maximise the passage of light through old-cut and modern diamonds.
Gems were secured using precise claw and millegrain settings, where tiny beaded edges of metal soften the transition between stone and mount. Additional stones like sapphires, rubies, and pearls were integrated into the drop design to punctuate the monochrome sparkle of the diamonds.
Materials recorded across the inventory include platinum, silver, yellow gold, diamonds, rubies, natural pearls, and aquamarines.
What varies in quality
Quality rests in the delicacy of the piercing and the symmetry of the metalwork, distinguishing meticulous hand-pierced lattices from simpler stamped designs. Superior examples maintain crisp millegrain work and robust construction despite the airy appearance of the drop.
The selection and matching of the stones also determine the tier of the piece, with well-proportioned old-cut diamonds and natural pearls commanding greater regard than mismatched or heavily included alternatives. The integration of secondary gems like aquamarines or rubies further influences the character of the drop.
The Openwork Diamond Drop Pendant Glossary
- Openwork
- Metalwork pierced or cut through to create a patterned, lace-like design that lets light pass directly through the pendant. This technique defines the airy character of Edwardian and Art Deco jewellery.
- Millegrain
- A decorative technique featuring a row of tiny raised metal beads along the edges of a setting. It softens the visual boundary between the metal and the diamond.
- Drop
- A pendant configuration where a secondary element hangs below the main body of the piece. This layout creates movement when worn.
- Old-cut diamond
- A diamond cut by hand before modern machinery standardised proportions, typically featuring a smaller table and larger facets. These stones produce a characteristic softer glow under candle or incandescent light.
Openwork Diamond Drop Pendant: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wear an openwork diamond drop pendant?
These pendants suspend gracefully from fine chains, sitting centrally on the collarbone or slightly lower depending on the chain length. They pair well with both high-necked garments and evening wear.
The delicate pierced design ensures the piece remains light against the skin, making it practical for extended wear during special occasions or daily routines.
What periods do these pendants come from?
The pieces span several distinct eras, including the Edwardian period, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and mid-century designs. Each period brings characteristic motifs, from flowing floral lines to strict geometric patterns.
Materials shift accordingly, moving from platinum-topped silver in the earlier decades to various grades of yellow and white gold in later years.
How do I clean my diamond drop pendant?
Maintenance requires gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a very soft brush to remove dust from the intricate openwork and millegrain edges. Harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided, particularly when natural pearls or softer coloured stones are present.
Regular checks by a jeweller help ensure the tiny claws holding the diamonds remain secure.
Are these pendants suitable for everyday wear?
While platinum and gold provide durability, the intricate pierced metal and presence of older stones or pearls mean these pieces benefit from mindful handling. Removing the pendant during strenuous physical activity protects the delicate drop structure.
Storing the item separately prevents scratching from other jewellery in your collection.