Antique Enamel and Table-Cut Diamond Pendant

This French 18k gold diamond-shaped pendant, circa 1810, was likely either taken from a larger piece of jewelry or may have started life as a button.

The central diamond is table-cut, one of the earliest and simplest historic diamond cuts, created by slicing the stone to form a large open top facet. The cut emerged in the 14th century and became popular during the Renaissance and the 16th to 18th centuries. Instead of the high-fire sparkle of modern brilliant cuts, a table-cut offers a clear view inside the stone and a soft, mirror-like glow. Original surviving table-cut stones are rare to find today because later jewelers often recut them into modern brilliant shapes.

This rare and lovely little piece of jewelry history is a collector's dream.

Details:

• Provenance: Georgian, c. 1810, French, Hallmarks are lost
• Gold content: 18k
• Gemstone and materials: Table-cut diamond set in silver; black enamel on 18k gold
• Measurements: Diamond approximately 4.5mm × 4mm; pendant just over 1/2 inch without bale
• Weight: 1.11 grams
• Condition: This piece is over 200 years old. The black enamel has some chips and wear, visible under magnification. The silver collet-set, foil-backed table-cut diamond has some darkening of the foil. She is still a beauty and sparkles even in low light, as she was meant to be seen.