A mid-20th century pink sapphire and diamond crescent pendant, expertly converted from a brooch. Eleven graduated round-cut pink sapphires, the largest 5.25mm in diameter, are set in gold rub-over settings and framed by two rows of graduated rose-cut diamonds.
Portuguese hallmarks, dating from 1938 to 1984 (Porto assay office), confirm the 19ct gold and silver composition (minimum 800 gold fineness, 833 silver). The original brooch pin has been repurposed as the pendant bail, preserving the hallmarks, with additional hallmarks found on the underside of the crescent, which remain crisp and clear. The crescent measures 42mm in diameter; the bail is 8mm in diameter and 1mm thick.
The pink sapphires range from blush to deep, vivid pink, near-ruby in classification. Their intense fluorescence under UV light suggests high chromium content, a characteristic of rubies and fine sapphires.
Crescent Symbolism in Antique Portuguese Jewellery
Crescent moons are deeply symbolic in antique Portuguese jewellery, representing feminine power, intuition, and protection, often linked to the Virgin Mary and divine guidance. Popular with Portuguese aristocracy in the 19th and early 20th centuries, crescent motifs symbolised growth, change, and celestial beauty, often gifted as tokens of love and devotion, representing life's cyclical nature and eternity.
This historically significant pendant is the epitome of Portuguese craftsmanship, making it an extremely collectable piece.
