How do I wear a pendant brooch?

These versatile jewels feature a pin mechanism on the reverse alongside a suspension loop for a chain. You can thread a gold chain through the top loop to wear the piece as a necklace. Alternatively, you can fasten the integrated pin to secure the piece directly onto a lapel or garment as a brooch.

What periods do these pendants date from?

The listings span the Victorian and Edwardian eras, with many pieces originating around 1900. You will also find items from the late nineteenth century and the early 1930s. Stylistic elements like pierced foliate work and delicate seed pearl clusters help distinguish these historical periods.

Are the pearls natural?

The seed pearls used in these nineteenth and early twentieth-century pieces are natural saltwater or freshwater pearls typical of the era before cultured pearls became dominant. They display organic variations in shape and lustre. Examining the pearls under magnification reveals the characteristic nacre layers of antique specimens.

What stones accompany the pearls?

Peridot, amethyst, and aquamarine appear frequently alongside the pearls in these gold pendants. Other accompanying gems include garnets, tourmalines, turquoise, and diamonds. These coloured stones are often mixed within floral or lavalier designs characteristic of Edwardian taste.