Victorian Turquoise & Diamond Heart Pendant

A charming Victorian heart, pavé-set throughout with rose-cut diamonds in silver and centred with a single turquoise cabochon of soft, even blue. The diamonds are set in silver over a gold back — the standard of fine nineteenth-century work, done to keep the stones bright and white — and the whole domed heart glitters beautifully in low light, exactly as rose-cuts were designed to.

The heart and the turquoise both speak the Victorian language of sentiment: the heart for love, and turquoise for the forget-me-not, the flower of remembrance and constancy. It is fitted with both a brooch pin to the reverse and a gold bale to the top, so it can be worn pinned to a lapel or hung from a chain — a genuinely versatile little jewel, and a lovely example of the period's romantic jewellery.

Details

• Metal: silver-set diamonds on a gold back, with a gold bale
• Stones: turquoise cabochon centre within pavé-set rose-cut diamonds
• Design: domed heart, dual-fitted as a pendant and brooch
• Fittings: brooch pin and catch to the reverse; gold bale to the top
• Condition: Good antique condition, with wear consistent with age
• Era: Victorian, circa 1890