By the 18th century, the heart had become the established symbol for all kinds of love. And every form of the heart was popular: asymmetrical witches hearts, blazing hearts, twin hearts (love intertwined), hearts with crowns (loyalty), stout hearts, narrow hearts, hearts surrounded by pearls (you are beautiful), hearts with arrows (love conquers all). At the time, this was the more popular way to depict the heart: like an upside-down teardrop, which looks more like the human heart than our contemporary ❤️ does. This heart jewel was made around 1850, a time when both the clefted and unclefted heart variations made it into accessories. The glossy blood-red garnet makes the love even more visceral. The diamond decorations nod toward crowns and wreaths.
MATERIALS: 10k gold (tests), silver, 3/4" x 1/2" pear-shaped cabochon garnet, 18 rose cut diamonds, glass locket lens, new 14k gold chain
AGE: c. 1850
CONDITION: Very good - both tips of the mount have been resoldered
SIZE: 1 3/8" length including the bale, 3/4" width, 18" chain