Edwardian Diamond and Onyx Platinum-Topped Gold Pendant, 3.50 Carats, Circa 1900

A diamond-set ribbon bow anchors this pendant, its looping platinum bands set edge to edge with rose-cut diamonds so the metal reads as pure sparkle rather than structure. Below the bow, two oval onyx panels hang side by side, each cut with a faceted, mirror-bright surface that throws the stone's jet-black color back at the viewer in hard geometric planes. A single old European cut diamond sits bezel-set at the center of each onyx oval, its warm, uneven brilliance a deliberate contrast to the onyx's polished flatness. A third old European cut diamond, larger and similarly bezel-set, holds the bow closed at its center. Platinum tops the front of the piece, carrying all 148 diamonds, while 18K yellow gold forms the structure beneath; a standard Edwardian pairing that let jewelers show off pierced, lace-like platinum work without the cost or weight of an all-platinum piece. The pendant hangs from its own platinum chain, 18 inches long. Excellent condition for its age; no visible chips, losses, or replaced stones.