A striking late 19th-century black onyx locket pendant, centred with an six-point star set throughout with antique rose-cut diamonds and finished with a further diamond-set bail.
Dating to approximately c.1870-1890, the design is wonderfully characteristic of Victorian sentimental jewellery: dramatic polished black onyx contrasted with softly sparkling rose-cut diamonds, with a removable glass compartment concealed to the reverse for a photograph, portrait or keepsake.
The substantial onyx body has been carefully hollowed from the reverse to accommodate the glass locket insert, while the diamond star is secured through the stone with its original screw fitting.
The pendant has been constructed using mixed high-carat gold alloys, typical of many antique jewels assembled from separately made components. XRF testing shows the diamond star at approximately 18ct gold, with the remaining fittings testing between approximately 13ct and 15ct gold.
The pendant is in very good antique condition overall. One of the rose-cut diamonds set into the bail has a small nibble along one edge, with a few minor nibbles to some of the other diamonds, not visible to the naked eye. The polished black onyx presents beautifully, with no noticeable chips or nibbles to the front-facing or rear polished areas.
A wonderfully graphic antique jewel with real presence - equally beautiful worn alone or layered into a collection of chains and pendants.
