Circa 1900 Antique Russian Purpurin Egg Pendant on 14k Gold
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Circa 1900 Antique Russian Purpurin Egg Pendant on 14k Gold
In the 1890s, affluent Russian families began giving girls an egg pendant each year before Easter. She’d wear them on a chain from Easter to Ascension Day, and over time the growing necklace sentimentally marked the years until her marriage. As an example of one of these necklaces, I've included a photograph of necklace made entirely of Fabergé eggs (source Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum).
This purpurin egg pendant was likely part of that tradition.
Purpurin is a unique rich red opaque glass that was used in the Fabergé workshops during the time of Peter Carl Fabergé. It was formed in blocks and was shaped using lapidary and gem carving methods.
Earlier versions of this special material are noted from India (circa 3rd millennium BCE) and Sri Lanka (circa 1st millennium BCE). In the mid 1800s a version of the material was utilized by Italian glass masters and presented at the 1867 Paris Exposition. Fabergé studied the material and finalized their formulation which was used in their workshops.
This piece is not by Fabergé, however it was made in the same time and place. Appraiser believes this piece to be purpurin.
Egg diameter measures 10.6mm and overall length with ring is 22.5mm. Gold setting is 14k gold with stamps for maker, gold purity and location. Overall weight is 3.5 grams and the piece is in excellent antique condition.
A beautiful piece and a great conversation starter!
Details
- Russian antique
- Dated 1898-1908
- 14k gold and purpurin glass
- 3.5 grams
- 10.6mm diameter x 21.5mm overall drop
- Stamps for maker, gold purity and location
- Excellent antique condition with normal age related wear
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Please reach out with any questions jill@p-penelope.com
Customer Reviews
Im loving my new 14k chain! It is so well made and perfect for everyday. I hope to find another that I can stack it with and will purchase here again!! Thank you so much Jill!
Seller was a great communicator and shipped fast! Thanks so much, it’s beautiful!!!
I purchased a vintage chain and now I honestly don’t think I want to get a vintage chain from anywhere else. Great product curation. Will be back
I actually purchased this lovely citrine pendant not too long ago over the phone speaking directly with Jill, the owner of Penelope Penelope. This is how she and I do business nowadays. As well as this pendant, I have purchased many, many other beautiful vintage pieces from her over the past 2+ years, and plan on continuing to do so in the future as I find her pieces to be uniquely beautiful, well-made, and fairly priced. Every piece that I have gotten from Jill has been "exactly" as pictured in her photos. I appreciate how Jill provides the buyer with visual perspective...necklaces draped over fingertips, bracelets worn on wrists, pendants looped onto chains and worn with blouses or sweaters. Her videos are also very helpful when deciding on a piece as one can see how it moves when touched or when in contact with the skin. If this isn't enough, her written descriptions of the pieces will seal the deal. I appreciate that she includes the weight in grams as well as the exact measurements of each piece. On a few occasions I have asked her to take additional photos or to model a prospective piece for me, and she always obliges. Her customer service is impeccable. Items arrive UPS, some delivered behind locked gates and the more expensive items requiring a signature. I usually receive my items from Jill within 2 to 3 days, and she always includes a brief note in which she expresses her gratitude for my purchase and support. "FIVE-star Plus" is my review rating for Jill and her store Penelope Penelope.
The pendant may have come earlier, but I retrieved it yesterday evening …. and I L O V E it! Here you can see it on the rounded box chain which complements the rounded triangle of the pendant. How wonderful is that! It’s like “They were meant to go together.” Because they are both 18 K gold, the color-match is perfect. Once again, Jill, we hit the bull’s eye dead center. What more can I say but, once again, “Thank you.” You’re absolutely the best.
Interior key ring
Each Wedge Bag is made with an interior key ring that is perfect to clip your keys so that you never lose them again.
Also works great with one of my leather leashes to connect a zipper pouch or anything else you like to keep at hand.