Late 18th century diamond gold & silver necklace and diamond set portrait pendant. Silver flower & leaf motif necklace with gilt back 15ct clasp, set with 74 rose cut diamonds (total approx. 1.35ct). With shield shaped diamond set portrait pendant with hand painted images of Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette. The backing and setting of the images in 19ct gold with 18 rose cut diamonds to surround set in silver (total diamond weight approx 1.30ct), largest rose cut (approx 0.54ct), length 9.06 in. (including. Pendant) W29.16g (total). Provenance: Count Louis de Castelvecchio (1826-1869), Son of King Louis Bonaparte of Holland (Napoleon's brother); thence by direct descent to current owner. Private Collection, ACT (Canberra).
- Rose Cut - A flat based cut for a preious stone, leaving the surface covered with triangular facets, usually 24 in total.
It was introduced in the 15th century and popular during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The rose cut was the most popular form of diamond cut until the discovery of the brilliant cut at the end of the 17th century, after which its use declined.
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