Mastery of Design: The Dame Joan Evans Emerald Pendant, c. 1700

Pendant of silver, parcel gilt, emeralds, rubies and diamonds.
Eighteenth Century, German.
From the collection of Dame Joan Evans.
The Victoria & Albert Museum

I selected this pendant for today because something about it made me think of Mr. Punch. I think perhaps it’s the shape of the central cabochon emerald. A setting of silver and silver gilt, it is set with emeralds of assorted shapes and cuts, rubies and rose- and table-cut diamonds. The back is engraved with an intricate foliate pattern.

The central emerald is most likely later addition, replacing a different stone which may have been damaged. The pendant was made in Germany around 1700.