Until the late 19th century, sugar was packed and sold in a solid conical block shaped like a mountain with a rounded top. These were known as "sugarloaves". Some gemstones were also cut into this shape to maximize color and light absorption. They, too, are known as sugarloaves. Here, the moonstone has a weird secret: a trapdoor opens on the underside. It doesn't seem to be a locket, because there's not much room to add anything. We think it's either to facilitate cleaning, or to let the wearer periodically blast light through the stones to admire the full color range and sparkly diamonds.
MATERIALS: 18k gold (tests), 10 x 7mm oval sugarloaf cabochon moonstone, 16 2.5mm old mine cut diamonds
AGE: c. 1870
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 5.5, can be slightly resized; 1.75 x 1.4 cm head, 1.7mm shank