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Directory: Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Pre 1900: Item # 1441403

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Moylan-Smelkinson/The Spare Room
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P.O. Box 4684
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
tel. 410-435-3738

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9K Turquoise and pearl pendant with integrated matching turquoise studded large bale and original crystal on a 9K gold back. The turquoise stones and natural pearls have managed to avoid the fate of so much Victorian jewelry, stone discoloration. The pairing of the two types of stones is typical of mid Victorian sentimental jewelry. Small pendants like this one were popular in the early 19th century as sentimental friendship jewelry, to be exchanged among family and friends as tokens of affection. A nice feature of this locket is the 1/4 inch diameter bale which easily accommodates a large link chain. The stones are perfectly matched. Turquoise was considered by the Victorians to bring happiness in life while the pearls represent purity. Turquoise and pearls were a favorite combination of the Victorians in love jewelry. Such lockets would be given as a romantic gift to one's lover with the plaited hair tucked into the crystal compartment on the reverse side, as a way of holding the loved one near to one's heart. The hair is exquisitely plaited and while one could remove it easily (there is a latched cover on the back), we recommend leaving it as is and in its original condition.