A renowned independent family-run jewellery business in Hatton Garden, Tobi Gem Setting, has recently announced the addition of a stunning piece of 19th-century craftsmanship to its collection. The Victorian Holbeinesque emerald and diamond pendant, believed to date back to approximately 1870, is now featured in Tobi Gem Setting’s “Tobi Gem Treasures” series.
The pendant, crafted in England using solid 18-carat yellow gold, showcases a hexagonal step-cut natural emerald, weighing around 3.60 carats. The emerald’s strong and even color is highly sought after in the jewellery industry. Adding to the pendant’s allure are old mine-cut diamonds, which provide brilliance and definition to the design. The intricate piece also features richly colored enamel in deep shades of red, green, and blue, filling small quatrefoil sections that are repeated throughout the oval form. A diamond-set section connects the design to the bale above, while a pear-shaped emerald drop below adds a touch of movement to the pendant.
What makes this pendant truly exceptional is its rarity as a surviving example of the Holbeinesque style. This Victorian design movement was inspired by the ornate portrait jewellery depicted in Hans Holbein’s 16th-century paintings, where color and structural detail were given equal importance to the gemstones themselves. As such, pieces in this style are highly sought after by collectors of antique and period jewellery.
According to a spokesperson for Tobi Gem Setting, “There are pieces where you notice everything at once, and others that take a moment to reveal themselves. This pendant is very much the latter; the longer you look, the more there is to discover in it.” The pendant is now available for viewing on the Tobi Gem Setting website, along with full details and photography.
Tobi Gem Setting’s “Tobi Gem Treasures” series showcases standout pieces from the company’s antique and vintage collections. The addition of this rare Victorian pendant is a testament to the company’s commitment to offering unique and exceptional pieces to its clientele.
