This design, known as a Flemish heart, is very typical for the traditional jewellery of Belgium of the late 18th- and early 19th Century, and was gifted to mothers by their children on Mother's day or her birthday. It is considered to be a typical Catholic symbol, and the central diamond symbolizes the heart of Mary herself.
Its elements can move individually from each other and are attached by hooks on the back. The pendant depicts an open-worked heart, made up of peapod stems, set with rose-cut diamonds. The central drop hangs individually and is set with a rose-cut diamond that measures 5 x 3.5 mm.
Since this pendant can be seen as a love trophy, the heart dangles from an element representing trophy, with two crossed flaming torches.
A similar pendant is part of the collection of DIVA Diamond Museum in Antwerp, inventory number S70/2.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 55 x 32 mm / 2.16 x 1.25 inches, excluding the jump ring.
Weight: 13.50 grams.
Age: Early Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1810s.
Material: Acid tested as being silver.
Condition: In great antique condition, with only minor signs of wear, consistent with age. One diamond in the top has been chipped: this ban be seen in the pictures.
Read how to take care of rose-cut diamond jewellery here.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes.