A wonderfully tactile antique acorn, newly converted into a pendant and the larger of two coordinating examples created from the same original piece.
Its softly rounded lower section is fashioned from luminous green nephrite jade and edged with a glittering collar of fully faceted rock crystal. An intricately carved cap of olive-green nephrite jade completes the acorn, its crosshatched design recreating the wonderfully organic texture of a real acorn cupule.
This acorn originally formed one of a pair of drops suspended from an antique jade and rock crystal necklace. In its complete original form, the necklace bore a remarkable resemblance to a documented circa-1910 sautoir by New Zealand jeweller Frank Hyams, composed of pounamu and rock crystal beads and suspending two similarly stylised acorns. This piece is unsigned and no attribution to Frank Hyams can be confirmed; however, the close similarity provides a fascinating point of comparison and supports the identification of the jade as possibly New Zealand pounamu.. It remains in excellent antique condition.
The original gold fitting runs through the centre of the acorn, emerging as a tiny gold bead at its point before twisting around the fitting at the top. This original metal tests as 9ct gold. We have newly added a generous, chunky 18ct gold bail, allowing the pendant to be worn from a chain, dog clip or suitable charm holder.
A charming little woodland treasure with a pleasing weight and presence, whether worn alone or nestled amongst a layered collection of antique chains.
