14K Gold Brooch-Pendant with Old Mine Cut Diamonds, Early 20th Century, Antique

In the first half of the 20th century, when jewellery was still crafted in small ateliers and every stone was set by the hands of a master goldsmith, this pendant-brooch in 14k gold was created. At its heart lies a diamond in the Old Mine cut – the ancestor of the modern brilliant.

The Old Mine cut is recognisable by its softly rounded, almost square outline, high crown, and relatively small table. It was shaped in an era when diamonds were cut entirely by hand, under candlelight, without the aid of modern machinery. This gives it a deeper, warmer glow – light enters the stone and reflects off its slightly irregular, asymmetrical facets, creating a romantic, flickering sparkle rather than the sharp brilliance of machine-cut modern stones.

The floral rosette design is formed by petal-like settings, each holding smaller diamonds in the same historic cut. The jewel can be worn both as a brooch and as a pendant – a practical feature much appreciated in its time, allowing one ornament to accompany its wearer from afternoon tea to an evening soirée.