Exquisite Antique 19th Century Enamel Diamond Heart Pendant

The most divine and rare to find this antique rose cut diamond and guilloche enamel heart pendant.

She dates from the second half of the 19th century and is of Continental European origin. There are no hallmarks, she tests 14 karat gold. The enamel work on her is sublime, with engine turned background on gold and translucent, deep powder blue enamel with lovely green borders decorated with tiny clovers in gold enamel. The gold enamel is the same colour as her smooth gold back and sides. The bale is exquisite, made with silver over gold and set with tiny rose cut diamonds. Rose cut diamonds are also featured in the ribbon decoration on the front of the pendant, with one green stone, which is most likely an emerald, but it is too small to test, it may also be a green garnet topped doublet or a green paste stone. These were often used in jewellery of this age as equal to other gemstones.

The meaning of the front decoration is a bit of a mystery . Clearly this piece was commissioned individually and its meaning might have been very personal to the jeweller's client. We have never seen anything quite like this in all the years of working in antique jewellery and we are just fascinated by it. A very exciting theory, and we think this could be the most likely one - thank you J ! - is that the decorations on the heart depict a mandrake plant and sage bundle. Both have been used for mystical and spiritual rituals and as amulets for protection The roots of the mandrake plant resemble a human form, and were hence used as amulets to attract good fortune, fertility and prosperity. In medieval times, witchcraft lent the plant magical powers of protection, cursing and strengthening of the spells. Mandrake plant was also used in divination rituals. Its traditional medical usage was to treat insomnia and induce deep sleep as a powerful anaesthetic for surgeries and amputations, as well as topically for rheumatic pains. It was also used in treatment of asthma, convulsions, inflammation, and stomach ulcers. In fact, the root of mandrake has powerful narcotic and anti-spasmodic properties, and can be highly poisonous. Sage has been used in spiritual rituals for smudging, to clear negative energies, purify spaces and protection. It is considered a sacred plant, used to call in peace and enhance meditation.

The heart is a lovely, large size and measures 25.3 mm top to bottom and 24.8 mm side to side, while the total length of the pendant with the bale is 33.7 mm. It is 3.4 mm thick, not including the decoration on the front and is heavy, weighing 10.47 grams. Condition wise it has a tiny dent on its side and a small and smooth protruding area at the back by the bale. Please see our photos. These small imperfections do not impact the stability or the look of the pendant, which is in lovely condition otherwise, including the enamelwork.

We are in love .... with this incredible piece of jewellery. It is as rare as it is gorgeous and we rather like the mystery !
 

* Please kindly note that other jewellery in our photos is for your inspiration and not included in this listing *
 
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