Pietra Dura Lily Necklace

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In the world of antique jewelry, Pietra Dura is one of my greatest loves. Artfully crafted examples like this are increasingly scarce and difficult to find. The name translates literally from “hard stone.” This pendant features a piece of solid onyx inlaid with other hard stone gems depicting a blooming lily flower with a budding lily blossom. Inlaid jewelry has existed for millennia and it was especially popular during the Victorian era as souvenir jewelry from "The Grand Tour" of Italy.

The Victorians adored symbolism and many parts of their lives were rife with double meanings and representations, especially when it came to the depiction of flowers, which had an entire language (flower language or floriography.) In today’s age, we often attribute lilies to sympathy and mourning, but in the context of the era that this pendant was created, white lilies were employed to share a message of perfection, majesty, innocence and purity. The pendant is capped with a fluted golden bail of 9 carat gold. It hangs on a gold-filled cable chain, which fastens with a spring ring style clasp.

More details:

Pendant measures 49.4mm long including bail 32.3mm wide and 6.6mm deep. Chain: 18” long.

Excellent vintage condition

9k (tested)

15.3 grams

All purchases arrive in a gift box, wrapped with a ribbon.