Vintage / antique Bohemian garnet pendant and chain, rose cut stones and retailer pear cut centre set in gold tone, early Art Deco period 1920s

Beautiful Bohemian garnet delicate pendant with a 16 inch gold tone chain. It has the gems collet or claw/prong set with delicate open backed settings. The quality is excellent. There are rose cut stones around the teardrop shape of the pendant and a larger rose cut stone above. In the centre is a pear / teardrop cut garnet.

The brooch is not stamped - it may be gold covered 900 silver, otherwise pieces like this were often set in tombac. The piece is in very good vintage condition and is presented in a hinged presentation box as pictured.

The famous garnets of Bohemia were found in the hills to the northeast and northwest of Prague. The glistening red jewels were (and still are) cut in Prague and then the town of Turnov, to the northeast of Prague. Turnov is part of the Bohemian Paradise Geopark; a UNESCO listed nature reserve where people can discover unique geological phenomena such as dolomite caves, petrified forests, olivine balls and gem materials, such as chalcedony, opal, amethyst, jasper and garnet. Turnov has been known for stone cutting, engraving and jewellery making for hundreds of years, the most prolific period being the 1700s. A jewellery school was established there in 1884 and two years later, a museum was opened. "The Museum of the Bohemian Paradise" is a very interesting place for visitors eager to learn about gems, jewellery, mineralogy and more, particularly Bohemian garnet. Turnov's highest mountain, Kozákov is the site where deposits of garnet have been found. retailer