Rare Victorian-era Necklace With A Keepsake Pendant — Onyx, Pearls, Diamond, And Turquoise

A remarkable piece of antique jewelry, steeped in a history rich with sentiment: this Victorian necklace combines faceted onyx beads with natural pearls and an impressive medallion pendant, crafted with exquisite finesse from gold, silver, pearls, turquoise, and an authentic old-cut diamond.

The necklace consists of richly faceted black onyx beads, elegantly alternating with white beads (separated by knots). The centerpiece is a large, multifaceted onyx pendant—a true medallion that opens via a concealed side hinge, originally designed to hold a portrait or a lock of hair.

The front is adorned with an elegant applied motif in gold and silver: graceful scrolls set with fine pearls, a floral motif composed of turquoise- and emerald-colored cabochons, and, at its center, a radiant old-cut diamond set in an openwork gold filigree setting. The bail, located at the top, is also richly set with fine pearls, reflecting the refined craftsmanship prized during that era.

This piece embodies the romantic and eclectic style of the Victorian era, circa 1860–1880. The combination of onyx with gold and silver scrollwork, pearls, and a diamond was characteristic of sentimental and mourning jewelry from this period; such pieces were often initially worn as brooches before being transformed into pendants, as is likely the case here.

Materials
Necklace: faceted onyx beads and natural pearls
Pendant: onyx medallion with a hinged mechanism
Setting: gold and silver, scrollwork / filigree
Ornaments: fine pearls, turquoise or emerald cabochons, vintage-cut center diamond
Weight: 105 grams (necklace and pendant combined)

Medallion 6.5 x 3.5 cm
Necklace 84 cm