Edwardian Heart Shape Diamond Pendant 8.00ct in Platinum

A bold platinum and old cut diamond heart shaped locket pendant from the Edwardian period. Beautifully modelled, the tactile heart form has been richly set with romantically sparkling old cut diamonds (8.00cts). When viewed from the reverse an expertly polished rock crystal window is screwed into place. Accessible by the wearer this was originally designed to store a photograph or memento of a loved one. A delicate 62cm chain spectacle set with brilliants completes the piece ensuring that it can be worn from day to night. The romantic heart form was hugely important and symbolic to both the Victorians and Edwardians. Widely featured in jewellery heart shaped lockets were widely presented as symbols of love and remembrance. The Edwardian period only lasted for nine years (1901-1910), but it was an incredibly important era for jewellery design. Hugely intricate pieces showcasing the very best diamonds and coloured gemstones were worn with elaborate fashions from the most famous French couture houses. Driven by the explosion of court life, steered by the fashion-conscious King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, this was a truly special time. A beautiful necklace featured a heart shaped amethyst was presented by Queen Alexandra to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon when she married the Duke of York in 1923. In recent years this piece has been worn by Queen Consort Camilla.