Edwardian Aquamarine Pendant Brooch

This Edwardian pendant brooch, created circa 1915, is composed of aquamarines, diamonds and platinum. It designed with a shaped foliate top centering an oval-cut aquamarine, suspending a conforming pendant from flexible trace link chain punctuated by diamonds, with oval, round and pear-cut aquamarine fringe elements, set throughout with diamond melêe, with millegrain accents. Still exemplifying the delicacy of the Edwardian style, yet anticipating the modern geometric stylization to come, this cerulean blue and brilliant white jewel is feather light and versatile.

Dimensions: 3.75" length, 1.75" width.
Materials: 11 oval, pear, round-cut aquamarines (approximate total weight 11.00 carats); 63 old single, mine and European-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 1.45 carats); Platinum
Gram Weight: 22.8 grams

The platinum work of the early 20th century reached new heights of refinement and delicacy. These achievements were supported by a demanding ten plus year apprenticeship system to learn to handle this notoriously difficult metal. One of the techniques employed here - "saw piercing"—involved cutting intricate, lace-like patterns with a fine-bladed hand saw. Over time, with dramatic changes in jewelry styles, these refined platinum skills were no longer taught, meaning that these early jewels represent a rare lost art.