Happy Valentine’s Day! I came across this diamond and opal pendant years ago at a local antique jewellers. It was part of a necklace, with all the pendants composed of heart charms.

I suspect this is mid-Victorian or possibly earlier based on how the bail is attached and the goldwork. The white opal stone is cabochon cut with a very slight indentation at the top to mimic a heart. I believe the diamonds surrounding it are old mine cut. It’s unmarked, but set in gold. The fact it’s unmarked makes me wonder if it was made in North America, where gold marking was not as strictly regulated at the time.

I do love the stone, and the sentiment!