Antique Pendant Appraisal & History - Learn About Your Family Heirloom

Question
Hi~

I recently inherited this beautiful antique pendant and was told that it perhaps belonged to my great-grandmother who was born in 1886 and died in 1935. Any idea how old it might be? I'd also love to know more about it, including the style, artist, what kind of chain it originally had, etc. I'll email photos to you at .

The pendant measures approximately 2-5/8" x 3-1/8". The artwork is under glass.

Thanks so much for your time and assistance! :)

Answer
Hello Errin and thank you for your inquiry. Sounds like you have a lovely pendant. Since you have the dates of your grandmother's birth and death that should help pinpoint the age unless it was passed down to her from a previous member of the family. Without an actual hands on examination or photo it would be difficult to ascertain the style, but I imagine it would be late Victorian. The only way to determine the artist would be if there were any markings on the item. Many pieces during this period had no markings and are impossible to trace with certainty. If there are no markings, I would suggest browsing some of the antique jewelry books for similar items. Your local library should have some on Victorian through
Art Nouveau, even Art Deco. You can also check some of the titles for purchase at amazon.com

Hope this helps and good luck !

Sally
jarrettsjade.com