Antique Art Deco 18K White & Yellow Gold Virgin Mary Pendant | 6 Diamonds, 8 Sapphires & Hand-Carved Mother of Pearl | Fine Religious Jewelry
An Exceptional Art Deco Masterpiece
Elegant, sophisticated and unmistakably timeless, this remarkable Art Deco pendant is a magnificent testament to the artistry of early twentieth-century European goldsmithing. Created circa 1925–1935, it embodies the defining principles of the Art Deco movement—perfect symmetry, bold geometry and refined luxury—while preserving the spiritual beauty of a devotional jewel.
Far more than a religious pendant, it is a miniature architectural masterpiece, where every engraved line, every geometric contour and every precious stone has been composed with extraordinary precision. A jewel conceived not only to be worn, but to be admired.
Artistic Design
The front is exquisitely handcrafted in solid 18K white gold, whose radiant surface becomes the true foundation of the composition. Rather than acting simply as a frame, the gold itself is transformed into an intricate architectural structure, displaying an extraordinary succession of geometric forms inspired by the bold elegance of the Art Deco era.
Sharp chamfered corners, elongated decorative panels, refined hexagonal settings, polished spherical accents and delicate hand-applied millegrain borders interact beautifully to create a composition rich in depth, texture and light. Every angle has been carefully balanced, every engraved motif perfectly proportioned, giving the pendant an almost sculptural quality that reveals the exceptional skill of its maker.
The brilliance of the gold is beautifully enhanced by an elegant arrangement of six antique Old European-cut diamonds, each individually mounted within finely crafted hexagonal bezels. Their warm, romantic sparkle is unmistakably characteristic of antique hand-cut diamonds, producing broad flashes of light that enhance the jewel with remarkable softness and depth.
Flowing gracefully between the diamonds are eight magnificent calibre-cut natural sapphires, their rich royal-blue colour creating a striking contrast against the luminous white gold. Their slender geometric cuts reinforce the architectural rhythm of the design, introducing depth, elegance and vibrant colour while preserving the perfect symmetry that defines the entire composition.
The dialogue between brilliant white gold, sparkling antique diamonds and deep blue sapphires creates an extraordinary visual harmony, where light and colour seem to move effortlessly across the surface of the jewel.
At its centre rests an exceptional hand-carved Mother of Pearl cameo portraying the Virgin Mary in serene profile. Beautifully sculpted with remarkable delicacy, her peaceful expression, flowing veil and radiant halo emerge naturally from the luminous nacre. As light falls upon its surface, the Mother of Pearl reveals soft iridescent reflections of ivory, silver and pearl, giving the portrait an almost celestial glow and making it the spiritual heart of the entire composition.
Reverse
The reverse is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, creating the refined two-tone construction so highly prized in fine European jewelry of the period. Smooth, elegant and beautifully preserved, it provides the perfect contrast to the richly ornamented front while highlighting the quality and integrity of its handcrafted manufacture.
Materials
Solid 18K White Gold front.
Solid 18K Yellow Gold reverse.
Hand-carved natural Mother of Pearl cameo.
Six antique Old European-cut natural diamonds.
Eight calibre-cut natural blue sapphires.
Hand-finished millegrain decoration.
Hand-engraved Art Deco ornamentation.
Entirely handcrafted goldsmithing.
Dimensions & Weight
Height (including bail): 42 mm (1.65 in)
Width: 18 mm (0.71 in)
Weight: 4.03 g (0.142 oz)
Condition
Presented in excellent antique condition, preserving crisp engraving, beautifully defined geometric details and exceptional overall integrity. The white and yellow gold retain their elegant character, the six antique diamonds remain bright and lively, the eight natural sapphires display a rich royal-blue colour, and the hand-carved Mother of Pearl cameo continues to exhibit its beautiful natural iridescence. Gentle signs of age are entirely consistent with a genuine antique jewel and only enhance its authenticity and historical appeal.
A Rare Opportunity
Jewels capable of combining artistic beauty, exceptional craftsmanship and profound symbolism are increasingly difficult to discover. This pendant is not simply an antique religious jewel—it is a masterpiece of Art Deco design, where luminous gold, architectural geometry, brilliant diamonds, vibrant sapphires and the delicate purity of Mother of Pearl come together in perfect harmony.
Whether destined for an important private collection, treasured as a family heirloom or worn as an expression of refined taste and devotion, this extraordinary pendant offers something far rarer than luxury alone: the privilege of owning an authentic work of art whose elegance has already endured a century and whose beauty will continue to captivate for generations yet to come.