Description
Date: c. 1890 – 1900, late Victorian period
Materials: rose cut diamonds, natural ruby, silver-topped 9k rose gold (unmarked; tested with nitric & muriatic acid), 14k yellow gold (chain; marked and tested)
Weight: 9.5 grams (pendant & chain), 11 grams (including brooch pin)
Pendant height: 40 mm
Pendant width: 49 mm
Diameter of diamonds: varies— from 2.75 mm (largest) to 1 mm (smallest)
Est. total carat: 1.2 – 1.5 ctw
Diamond count: 58
Full length of chain (clasp to clasp): 20 inches
Width of rolo chain links: 2.4 mm
Condition: overall in excellent, sturdy antique condition with no missing or replacement stones. Under 60x loupe magnification, I can spot some age-related flaws to the mine cut diamonds; some show tiny nibbles or tiny ‘fleabite’ chips to corners and edges. These flaws are invisible to the naked eye. Some ‘chips’ also appear to have been made on purpose to fit certain diamonds into unique shaped setting requirements (due to the non-uniform shape of the swallow). Due to age, the silver has tarnished to a gunpowder gray; I have chosen not to restore the silver’s shine as a respect to this piece’s age and history. However, if a shinier/cleaner look is desired, the pendant can be cleaned by dipping it into a silver polish solution.