Victorian Pearl and Gold Necklace

[mausketeer]

Wow! I can't believe I GOT this one! What do you guys think? It's real, right? (by real I mean actually dating from the Victorian era and not a reproduction) The one ring holding the pendant to the chain is marked 14k (see one close-up photo) but not sure if it's solid gold or plated or filled (experts?) In any case, I think I got a great deal because I LOVE it! (and I THINK it was cheap for what it is) Hey, I got my natural pearls! Yay!

- Jodie -

[lisa c]

I can't comment about age, but I sure do like it!

[Caitlin]

This is a super necklace! I love the style, which does seem Victorian. It is always hard to tell if something like that is authentic, but I doubt it was mass produced or produced yesterday.... Nice fittings, nice pearls. Lucky winner is you!

[Jeweljunke]

That is sooo pretty.

[Adeline Leigh]

Wow, oh wee - natural pearls; such good fortune. Congrats!

[mausketeer]

I HAVE to take my engagement ring in to be appraised (it's Art Deco, passed down through my boyfriend's family - hasn't been looked at by anyone since his grandmother gave it to his mother in the 70's or 80's.) I have NO idea about value other than I think the central diamond is about .85 carats or so. So I'll wait until I get this necklace and I'll bring it in too show her too (along with my silver drop Tahitians).

Oooh - that would be a good thread! (engagement and wedding rings) What do you think? I would be REALLY interested to see what everyone's OTHER jewelry is!

- Jodie -

[pearlescence]

Was there plating or gold filled (also called rolled gold) in Victorian times? IN any case if this was from the UK it would be marked 14ct and should probably have a full hallmark since it looks to be over the minimum weight. 14ct is an unusual percentage for the UK - tends to be 9ct or 18 here. It's a pretty piece though and certainly very Victorian-ish at minimum. (Of course it does not have to have been made in the UK at all!, just throwing in my local knowledge and Victoria was Queen here!)

[Nerida]

beautiful. I love this piece and it looks like the real deal. It is elegant, the gold work is gorgeous, and the pearls very pretty.
You know I go on about this but would you post a neck shot please??

[Adeline Leigh]

Oooh - that would be a good thread! (engagement and wedding rings) What do you think? I would be REALLY interested to see what everyone's OTHER jewelry is!

- Jodie -

Pretty please, Jodie. You get the ball rolling... It will be wonderful to see one of the most personal choices of jewellery we can make; gives us all a wee bit more of an insight into our offline personalities.

[Bodecia]

It's beautiful Jodie and must be Victorian or Edwardian at the latest. Natural pearls are always great to get. I would think it probably is 14kt solid gold. The necklace needs to be cleaned in something safe for the pearls. Either pearl cleaner or a salt sludge.

Good on-ya,

Dawn - Bodecia
http://stores.ebay.com/Dawns-Designer-Collections
Natural pearl collector and all round pearl lover.

[mausketeer]

Oh my gosh you guys are getting me very excited! You think it might be solid gold Dawn? Really? I had my fingers crossed but for the price I couldn't believe it really might be (you won't BELIEVE what I paid for it - $275!) Again, not knowing what it was worth I bought it just for the love of items that are well-made and unique. I don't think you can go wrong if you buy things that are beautiful and that you will NEVER see again, you know? (like, who cares what they're "worth" if you can afford it and you love it - THAT'S what it's worth)

Wendy - yeah, that's what I wondered too (whether plating or gold filled jewelry existed at that time. I mean, modern plating obviously involves electricity. I would love to know more about it. I only have ONE book on old jewelry and it was about stones, not so much the metal work. Hmm, now I need to get more!)

Well it was an on-line purchase so...... won't have it for a few weeks. But I WILL post a neck shot when I get it! Promise! (hey, I took some neck shots of my silver drop Tahitians, I'll post those later today.......)

Okay, when I get it I'll have to do the salt-sludge on it. VERY CAREFULLY. Thanks for all the comments guys!

- Jodie -

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Okay, when I get it I'll have to do the salt-sludge on it. VERY CAREFULLY.

I would wait before using any treatments. Natural pearls would hold up quite well with a salt treatment, but I would be afraid of dislodging a pearl or losing the patina.

If I had to guess a time line, I'd say it's Georgean. It fits the period well, especially considering the British presence in India at that time. Of course every piece is different, but Victorian items tend to be a bit more elaborate, even garrish, while Georgean was more austere and resourceful.

Nice find!

[Ramona]

Edwardian? They used 14 carat gold or gold filled.

http://www.morninggloryjewelry.com/e...ry-aid-53.html

Some pieces in the middle have a similar style

[Caitlin]

I'd say, just wear it in the shower or use a gentle detergent to get the dna off. Let the patina be.

[Nerida]

I'd say, just wear it in the shower or use a gentle detergent to get the dna off. Let the patina be.

I agree - it adds to the character and beauty of the piece.