ANTIQUE PEARL & SILVER MERMAID PENDANT

ANTIQUE PEARL & SILVER MERMAID PENDANT

Circa 1900

Height: 3¾ inches / 9.5 cm
Stock number: IH7363/0121
Price: £2950

An antique pearl and silver mermaid pendant. The idea of using baroque, or interestingly shaped pearls, and forming them into an item of jewellery suggested by their shape, originated in the Renaissance period around 1600. There are many examples, often set into gold with jewels. In this mermaid pendant the jeweller has used the natural shape of the pearl very cleverly to form the body and bosom of a mermaid, set in silver. At the top a ruby and emerald, smaller rubies and emeralds on her tail-not sure about the red drop-probably tourmaline.
I date this mermaid to around 1900, although it could be earlier. Mermaids and other mythical creatures were popular subjects.
I would say that this is very heavy and would need a substantial chain if it was to be worn.