Victorian Scottish agate necklace and padlock. A necklace set with eleven elongated octagonal faceted Scottish agates with gold terminals and chain links between each section, set to front with a heart shaped agate set padlock with intricately engraved floral scene to reverse and with side opening hinge, necklace approximately 15.5" in length, padlock approximately 3.1cm in length to top of loop. Necklace tested yellow gold, padlock tested silvergilt, English, circa 1890.
Queen Victoria, reigning for sixty three years and seven months was the world famous style icon of the period. Her day to day pioneering fashion and jewellery choices were adopted with vigour by the public. Jewellery was an important aspect of Victoria's life, each piece being a memento of a particular celebration. The Queen was very interested in fashion, the corresponding jewels to match and keenly accepted new materials and new techniques in her jewellery creations. With the purchase of the Balmoral Estate in Scotland in 1848, Queen Victoria discovered a new jewellery passion- for jewellery composed of Scottish agates.
A decorative solid or articulated jewel which hangs from a chain, bracelet, brooch, ring or earring. The pendant can be an addition to almost any form of jewellery.
The earliest pendants have been unearthed by archaeologists and are attributed to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods and include organic materials such as teeth and bones. These discoveries display our innate desire to adorn ourselves since the beginning of man.
As man grew more sophisticated, so did the materials which were used for adornment. Ancient Egyptians and Romans wore pendants made with gold and silver, set with attractive gemstones and bearing symbolic motifs. The seafaring Vikings wore rock crystal amulets which were believed to have protective qualities and give the wearer the power of foresight.
The widespread adoption of Christianity in the Byzantine era introduced symbolic Christian symbols which were often worn as pendants, such as the now internationally recognisable cruciform.
Pendants have been created in a multitude of shapes and designs, from dainty and ornate articulated pieces through to sentimental lover's tokens in the shape of a heart, or a simple and elegant diamond drop: find your perfect pendant at Berganza.