An extraordinary antique black onyx pendant, dating to the late Victorian or early Edwardian era, featuring a magnificent initial ‘A’ to one side and a beautiful Madonna and Child miniature to the reverse.
Wonderfully substantial, this striking pendant is carved from a thick piece of polished black onyx in an unusual shield-shaped design, with an elegantly scalloped lower edge.
The front is adorned with a fabulous three-dimensional initial ‘A’, intricately fashioned in metal with glossy black enamel detailing. The enamel has gently worn along some of the raised edges, revealing glimpses of warm golden metal beneath and adding to its wonderful antique character. There is also a little age-related dirt accumulated around the edges of the mechanically attached initial, consistent with its age and construction.
Turn the pendant over to discover its enchanting secret: a delicate oval miniature depicting the Madonna cradling the infant Jesus, beautifully framed in antique gold. A traditional symbol of maternal love, faith and protection, this charming devotional image lends the piece a particularly sentimental meaning.
Perhaps the initial represents the name of a treasured loved one, or even Amore, the Italian word for love. Whatever its original significance, this is a wonderfully romantic jewel with a story all its own.
The pendant is suspended from a substantial black bail, beautifully complementing the highly polished onyx, with an approximately 6.5mm opening to accommodate a variety of chains.
Believed to date to c.1880–1910 and possibly of continental European origin, this exceptional antique treasure looks equally fabulous styled as a bold standalone pendant or layered amongst your favourite antique gold chains.
