Victorian 14K Gold, Black Onyx & Seed Pearl Set

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian

 

Black jewelry at the turn of the 20th century was very popular and in vogue, but it didn't begin this way. History writes that Queen Victoria went in to mourning, after the loss of Prince Albert, for 40 years. Black jewelry was worn by members of the Royal Court as well as by the common people. True jet, which was in limited supply, was being imitated. Black glass, known as French Jet and black dyed chalcedony, known as Black Onyx, were favored materials for mourning jewelry. But as black was a sad, somewhat depressing color, many women wore black jewelry enhanced and adorned with gold, pearls and even diamonds for a more fashionable and elegant look.

This is a beautiful pair of 14K (not marked but tested) pins. The beveled black onyx center stone of the larger brooch is set in a 14K gold collet. The center has the tiniest collet mounted seed pearl. From the oval center, diamond shaped, beveled onyx stones alternate with 14K gold balls. The back shows all of the original findings including a tube hinge, a c~clasp and a bale so it could be worn on a chain. This piece measures 1 1/4" x 1" and is in beautiful condition.

The second pin is much smaller. The tiny center piece is also beveled. As this part of the pin is so small, the manufacturer had to set the seed pearl within a gold star and mount it on top. The outer ring repeats the diamond shaped onyx pieces as well as the gold balls. The diminutive size suggests it was for a child, perhaps a mother and daughter set. It measures only 3/4" x 5/8" and tested for 14K. Original tube hinge and c~clasp. It, too, is in excellent condition!

Item ID: 3417