Victorian Pendant with Rare Radioactive Green Zircon

If wearing beautiful jewelry brings you joy, you will likely feel a thrill when you put on this pendant. This charming early-Victorian piece is nearly 200 years old, while the center zircon is an ancient gem estimated to be billions of years old. All natural zircons are ancient and are often used to date geological samples. However, green zircons, such as this unusual olive-colored gem, are particularly intriguing because their color results from trace amounts of radiation accumulated over an incredibly long period. As the gem remains in the earth for millions of years, it is exposed to natural low-level radiation from its planet's slight radioactivity, transforming its color to green, giving the stone a slightly silky and hazy appearance while still being safe to wear.

The Victorian jeweler who crafted this pendant must have been as captivated by it as we are, as they created a handcrafted setting with exquisite detail. The cushion-cut zircon is collet-set, resembling a bezel with small prongs, and is surrounded by natural pearls and old mine-cut diamonds, which are also collet-set, all set in rich silver and gold. This pendant is not only beautiful but also has a fascinating history and offers an elegant look when worn. 

Details: Antique sterling silver and 14k yellow gold pendant set with approximately 5ct untreated olive green zircon (from Sri Lanka), .20ctw old mine-cut diamonds (SI-I1 IJK), and natural pearl accents, circa 1840.