Description

An unusually large and stunning original Art Deco pendant; modelled as a weighty teardrop of rich green Amazonite, to an elegant gold bale.

Amazonite was popular with ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt and Southern America; and in the 19th Century it was believed to have been a ‘lost gemstone’ found only along the banks of the river Amazon. A charming myth but not actually the case! It was only when a large deposit was found in Virginia in the 1920s that this beautiful gem was available in larger quantities for gemmologists to study and jewellers to start incorporating back into their work.

This specimen is a truly lovely example of how beautiful this gemstone can be; displaying beautifully mottling of the natural stone in a vibrant seafoam green. Perfect addition to any antique jewellery collection as this piece looks timelessly chic worn on its own or layered with other pieces.

ERA: Art Deco c.1920s

ORIGIN: Given the era and style I believe this is an American piece.

MATERIAL: Amazonite and gold (unhallmarked but tested)

SIZE: 4.8cm tall top to bottom (not including bale). Bale is nice and wide – could fit up to a 5mm gauge chain.

WEIGHT: 19.4 grams – a lovely heft to it.

CONDITION: Lovely antique condition commensurate with age; no notable signs of wear. Under very close inspection (and rotating into a certain light) there is a very thin fissure that runs in a u-shape along one edge (see last photo). Amazonite is a stone that has natural striations and fissures in it so it’s extremely hard to tell the origins of this – but there’s certainly no evidence of it having had major damage and this does not affect the durability of the piece. No notable chips or cracks to the stone, even the point of the stone is nice and crisp. Please examine photos carefully, video available on request.

Chain is for illustration – available for purchase separately.

SHIPPING: Free inside the UK and to the US – Please note that buyers are responsible for any import or customs charges.