18K Gold Half Pearl & Old Cut Diamond Brooch-Pendant, 19th Century, Paris

This impressive Parisian jewel from the second half of the 19th century combines the dual function of a brooch and a pendant, a hallmark of the versatile jewelry of the era. Crafted in 18k gold, it is richly adorned with half-pearls and old-cut diamonds, whose soft, shimmering reflections create a romantic luminosity.

Its elaborate design reflects the eclecticism of the time, blending Renaissance and Baroque inspirations with Rococo lightness and the emerging elegance of the Belle Époque. Filigree details, openwork motifs, and ornamental flourishes transform this jewel into a masterpiece created for grand occasions.

Such pieces were both a symbol of status and refined taste, as well as a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of 19th-century Parisian ateliers.