Stunning Georgian Period silver and paste pendant with its original bail paired with a later "long-and-short" sterling silver chain. This lovely pendant dates from the Georgian period (1714-1837) and has a beautiful and diverse array of sparkling graduated pastes.
Georgian jewelry is a very special type of antique jewelry; it was made all by hand for wear in natural lighting. As there was no electricity during the 1700s and 1800s, jewelry designers often used foiled backings for their gemstones and pastes to intensify the glitter and sparkle of the stones under candlelight. As a fine and original example of the intense skill that went into making Georgian jewelry, this pendant & bail necklace is a lovely item to add to your collection.
The paste-encrusted bail is folded into a clip, allowing the pendant to be removed and the bail used for other purposes. It is very likely that this pendant (with it's bail) was originally worn in the style of a choker necklace, suspended from a string of pearls, black ribbon, pastes, or even gemstones around the neck. The choker necklace style was popular during the early Georgian period (see last photo).
The necklace features two triangular elements with a pair of round drops, while a "tree" of round pastes suspends a pear-shaped central drop. The pendant is suspended from a 24 1/2-inch long, early 20th Century sterling silver chain (included).
Condition: Excellent antique condition. Tests positive for sterling silver, measures 26 1/2-inches long overall and weighs 9.2 grams.
