Antique Pendants
Unique and striking an antique pendant can create a very impressive look as a focal point of jewellery. Previously worn on the neck of another, its history is compelling and intriguing. An antique pendant may be a large gemstone encased beautifully in a precious metal or an intricate, ornate pendant. There is an antique pendant to suit a range of tastes, with different shapes, sizes, styles and weights, some many feature precious or semi-precious stones and may be made from silver, gold, platinum or bronze.
History of the Pendant
A pendant was one of the earliest forms of jewellery known to man, suspended from a necklace, early pendants would have been made from shells, rocks and bone. From the French word ‘pendre’ and the Latin word ‘pendere’, literally translating to ‘hang down’. The pendant was adopted by many cultures across the world, with Ancient Egyptians wearing scarab beetles. Pendants have evolved over the years, with gemstones, metals and differing design influences incorporated in the creation of the pendant.
Styles of Antique Pendant
Whether you wish to purchase a prominent or subtle pendant to wear around the neck, there are plenty of differing styles and periods to choose from.
Georgian Pendants
Motifs with elements drawn from the natural world are common in pendants from this time; the jewellery from this period was handmade so there are variations in quality and condition of the pendants from this era. A nice Georgian pendant is a bird shaped pendant with jewelled eyes.
Victorian Pendants
Made between 1837 and 1900 during Queen Victoria’s reign, large gemstones are typical of pendants from this period. The ‘Romantic period’ of the Victorian era refers to when Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, was still alive, namely from 1837 to 1850. The pendants of this period are reflective of the inspiration drawn from nature as of the earlier Georgian pendants. Rose cut diamonds were used and were larger than their earlier counterparts. Particularly popular pendants from this period are gold filigree lockets.
After the passing of Prince Albert in 1861, the style and design of jewellery changed to reflect the mourning period. The ‘Grand period’ lasted until around 1880, the theme was predominately dark, with heavy gemstones in pendants- black onyx, red garnets and deep purple amethyst. In the late Victorian period, mainly after 1885, pendants became brighter, with blue sapphires and green peridot in pendants, stars and moons also began to be incorporated into the jewellery design by the later stage of this period.
Art Nouveau Pendant
Elements of nature were incorporated into Art Nouveau pendants, there was a move away from the use of gemstones, and pendants became highly intricate in their designs, there was a heavy French influence during this time. An Art Nouveau pendant is considered highly desirable, with some of the best antique craftsmanship. An antique pendant that is very desirable is those made by ‘Rene Lalique,’ his famous dragonfly pendant is an extremely valuable antique. Louis Comfort Tiffany is another name worthy of note his pendants are particularly sought after by collectors.
There are also a number of attractive vintage pendants on the market to choose; a nice 1940’s cameo pendant, a 1960’s bird pendant or a 1970’s chunky vintage pendant can all enhance the overall look of an outfit.
