Because imperial topaz was so difficult to mine and transport, it commanded extraordinary prices. This drop is an English jeweler's expert imitation of the gem.
The stone is paste, a type of leaded glass that was quite an innovation at the time. To recreate the rich golden-orange and pinkish tones of Imperial topaz, glassmakers added iron, antimony, and small amounts of manganese to the molten glass. Iron created the amber and honey base tones, antimony produced a luminous yellow and enhanced the sparkle, and manganese shifted the color toward the peachy, hues characteristic of fine Imperial topaz.
The molded paste stones were often set over colored foil to mimic the depth and fire of the natural gem. That's exactly what we're seeing here. It once was probably part of a set of cuff links or shirt studs or some larger piece of jewelry.
In 9k gold settings and with new 9ct gold earwires added. These were once probably cufflinks or shirt studs or something and were converted in the last few decades. Silver foil backs under stones are peach-colored and free of tarnish or water damage - avoid getting these wet! 3/8" wide, a little under 1/2" tall, the ovals are subtle. C. 1820 stones and settings. Bridgerton shit!
Mimics the most gorgeous topaz.MATERIALS: 9k gold (tests), paste, new 14k gold chain
AGE: c. 1920
CONDITION: Very good - this piece was converted from cufflinks or collar studs into a pendant at some point in time
SIZE: 5/8" length including the bale, 3/8" width, 18" chain
