English Victorian Garnet Cabochon and Pearl Locket

Pliny the Elder, the Roman author, naturalist, philosopher, and naval and army commander, had a penchant for naming things. He called any red gemstone with a "brilliancy like fire" a carbuncle. During the 19th century, the term came to refer to cabochon-cut red gemstones, primarily garnets. This impressive locket features a sizable, glowing 12.00 carat claret-colored cabochon garnet (hollow-cut so that the stone would not be dark) in a twisted wire-accented bezel. The luscious gem is accented all around by crescents of shimmering natural pearls, (three are replacement cultured pearls) while the reverse reveals an open-face photo compartment. Pliny would approve. Hand fabricated in 15ct. yellow gold, it suspends from a 17-inch 15K rosy-yellow gold box chain.