DATE: Victorian, c.1900 

This charming late Victorian stick pin is modelled as a oyster shell/clam with a dreamy natural pearl inside. Its crafted in 15k yellow gold throughout, and the shell features fine details, giving it that layered and realistic effect. Dates to circa 1900. 

Natural pearls must be one of nature's finest wonders. They've been prized as gemstones for their beauty and scarcity since ancient times, and the very word "pearl" itself has become a metaphor for something rare, valuable, admirable, and beautiful. Composed of layer upon layer of calcium and conchiolin, natural pearls are grown within the soft tissue of clams, oysters, mussels etc. They're a defence mechanism against a potentially threatening irritant or parasite within the shell. So, to cut a long story short- a pearl is the creation of the immunes response-  to an unwanted guest within the shell. Amazing right? 

STONES 

Natural Pearl 

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 8 x 8mm

Length: 5.7cm

WEIGHT 

1.06g

MARKS 

Partial marks, tests as 15k gold 

CONDITION 

Excellent