Rare Russian Textured Gold and Star Sapphire Egg Pendant, circa 1900

From the Romanov era, period of Tsar Nicholas II, of hammered rose gold enhanced with an oval high-cut sugarloaf cabochon star sapphire weighing approx 3.07 cts. Completely original and fitted with a gold suspension ring. Chain not included.

The inner ring stamped with a kokoshnik or date mark for 1908-17 and 56, the Russian gold standard for 14k.

Russian jewelers of the 19th century, including Fabergé favored high cabochon or sugarloaf cut for rubies and sapphires. Cabochon sapphires were always bezel-set (surrounded by metal) and functioned as accents on pendants and other jewels, or as thumbpieces for bellpushes, gumpots and cigarette-cases. In this case the sapphire was cut very high to display asterism or a star. The surrounding gold is textured to add interest to the design.

13/16 in. (2.1 cm) long including suspension ring. Country: Russia