Art Nouveau Diamond Pendant Brooch Necklace 18k Chinese
Mid-century cluster pendant and brooch set with approximately 2.5ctw old cut diamonds in 18k white gold.
This is a big pendant, at 4cm, but its ultra white diamonds and body makes what is ornate very wearable.
This is also one of those original mid century goodness, where the diamonds are big and gold work super solid. The smallest bezel containing a diamond is already 3mm. The biggest bezel is 5mm.
Straits Chinese love the abundance of grapes, its cultural meaning has sprouted many cluster pendants styled after the grape. Yet this piece is distinct, not commonplace.
The ‘stalk’ and ‘leaf’ motifs are expressed well, set with baguette diamonds (stalk) and the only small diamonds (three leaves entwined as if a ribbon) are set with tiny near invisible bead prongs typical of Straits jewellery.
The deliberate way this pendant is made reflects its luxury. The bezels are set at different heights for an organic feel, and the lower half in the cluster articulates. This movement is appreciated when the pendant is pinned as a brooch.
Because the pendant is sizeable and very well crafted, it converts with ease into a brooch, not forcibly (it is not one of those unwieldy brooch pendants).
Apart from the fact the Straits Chinese love their gold, there is little reason why this is not in the league of one of those luxe Edwardian pieces. An actual Edwardian piece would have lesser gold in a same sized pendant.
The old cut diamonds on this bracelet are VS and at least F/G color. In simple terms, the diamonds are excellent.
The platinum chain is sold separately, in the Chain Necklaces section.
