PANSY -- "Pensee" ("Thoughts"), 140 wonderful early diamonds, 3 carats

Victorian Pansy ("Pensée" ... "Thoughts") Jewel,
140 wonderful antique diamonds (3 carats) around a pearl

Circa : late 1800's;
PLATINUM -- in a rare early example -- before its wider use. (The use of platinum before 1900, especially in Victorian jewels by highly skilled craftsmen, has only recently been documented (ref : Jack Ogden, 2024 research presentation pursuant to planned publication)

Diamonds : bead-set with total 140 antique cut diamonds in complex pattern of size and cut variants, in sinuous "pavé" of rippling naturalistic petals; each is set a-jour above a 'fish-scale' pattern in in a continuous pavé.
Most diamonds are early old mine triple and double cuts, with extra high crowns, square to rectangular tables; average diameter 2 mm, plus some smaller rose and lasque cuts; , estimated total 3 carats

Pearl : one, 6-1/2--7mm spherical, slightly rosy white, saltwater Akoya cultured type

Diamonds are set in platinum petals above yellow gold understructure including a hinged pendant bale and pin/hinge/safety clasp unit
Gold tested : acid & touchstone results indicate 14k (all parts not testable due to construction)
Overall size : height 1-1/2" x 1-1/4"; gross wt: .339 troy ounce

Condition : Verso shows various old repairs, petals apparently were once "tremblant", perhaps partly stabilized, & the gold understructure likewise (This may have been part of a multipurpose jewel, convertible to tiara, necklace, brooch, etc.) Five diamonds move slightly wihin their mounts; goldsmith judged them secure but cannot guarantee -- handle & wear with care.


(This exceptional old jewel is offered at an exceptional "as is"price -- compare at $ 5,000 & more)
# klr 24008 ..................................................................... as is, $ 2,750.