SOLD VICTORIAN Exotic Carnelian & Sterling Buddha Pendant-Necklace

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian : Chinese

 

Travel back in time to a romantic era and an exotic place with this stunning carnelian and sterling buddha pendant-necklace.

Circa the Victorian times, and from ancient China, courtesy of a United States soldier who came home from his overseas post after World War II with this exquisite treasure, for his sweetheart perhaps, or his wife.

This true story is almost as irresistible as this piece! Alas, the soldier's war-time paraphernalia, along with a small group of jewelry including our necklace, ended up at an antiques market in Oklahoma.

Similar pieces such as ours date back to the early 20th century, after China opened up to the world and started trading with the Western World. American soldiers were stationed in China as early as that time, leading up to the 1940s, during the war. A lot of the soldiers came home from the war with trinkets for their loved ones.

Our necklace has a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 1/2" solid carnelian pendant decorated on either side with a small carved sterling image of a full Buddha. Buddha is framed by meticulously crafted and lacy filigree. The bail also has the same filigree.

The pendant permanently hangs from a single strand necklace made up mostly of 7 mm carnelian beads, with gilt brass spacers in between. There are also two larger amber beads closest to the pendant. Necklace is 20" long, with a clasp marked Sterling.

The necklace is in very good condition, especially considering its old age. The dealer I acquired it from re-strung the beads as the original string had snapped, but kept the integrity of the design. The silver around the Buddha is a tad patinated, but does not detract from the beauty of the piece.

If you are nostalgic for the good ole' days, this piece will take you back!

Item ID: 0909-ASIA2