Louison Rare + Fine

Georgian Foiled Flat-Cut Garnet Necklace

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Louison Rare + Fine

Georgian Foiled Flat-Cut Garnet Necklace

Sold out

Description

This rare Georgian garnet necklace likely began its life as a component of an earring or larger, rivière style necklace that was broken apart sometime before it came our way. We loved the beautiful stone and flash of its foiled back, so we recycled it by adding a delicate chain in rose gold to match the original setting.

HISTORY

Flat-cut garnets date back as early as 1730, and continued to be popular in jewelry until around 1820. Garnets have been appreciated throughout jewelry history not only as the birthstone for January, but as symbols of fidelity and love. In medieval times the stone was thought to cure depression and protect against disease. Noah allegedly used a brilliantly glowing garnet to illuminate the ark’s path on treacherous nights. It has been thought to protect against poisoning and reunite separated lovers. A beautiful stone and ring, this is surely a collector’s piece to be treasured.

"Foiled" refers to the use of reflective foil behind the stone, a common practice in the Georgian and Victorian eras that involved backing the gemstone with a sheet of metal to help better reflect light or add color. In antique jewelry, this technique was used to bring out the best in a gemstone, before modern cutting practices and tools were around to maximize the stone's brilliance. Goldsmiths during this time had to get creative, and boy did they ever! Everything from metal to silk thread to peacock feathers were used, and before long, the craftsmanship involved in high quality foiling was elevated to an art of its own.

MATERIALS

9k Gold, 14k Gold, Garnet

CONDITION

Excellent - stone and setting are in beautiful condition. Stone has two small, natural inclusions that do not detract from the overall color and appearance. 

SIZE

Stone measures approximately 7 x 8.5mm. Strung on an adjustable 18" 14k rose gold chain.