DATE: Victorian, c.1890

In the 1860s Mrs Charlotte Newman did the unthinkable. She started a jewellery manufacturing business in a male dominated industry (weren't they all?), eventually owning her own shop on Saville Row and winning numerous medals and awards. She was a highly skilled goldsmith, crafting stunning pieces in a range of archaeological and contemporary (then) styles, from Byzantine to Renaissance Revival, exhibiting in 1867 and 1878 with Brogden in Paris before establishing her own business in 1884 employing many of his craftsmen. Her shopfront and workshop were located at 10 Saville Row, London, and her "Mrs. N" makers mark became not only synonymous with quality and meticulous craftsmanship, but the inclusion of Mrs. "let people know immediately that it was designed by a woman" and paved the way for other women in what was then a male-only world.

Her work is characterised by a visual lightness, and employs incredibly fine use of enamel, and remarkable attention to detail. This pendant, for example, features tiny intricate ivy leaf motifs along its red guilloché enamelled borders. It's formed as a heart, with two articulated claw set opals and a single old mine cut diamond. Not only is it complete with the original opal set bail, removable allowing brooch fittings to be attached at the back, but comes in its original fitted presentation box with the words: "Mrs. Newman, Goldsmith & Court Jewellers, 10 Saville Row, W" emblazoned on the inner lid. The red velvet insert can be lifted out to reveal a compartment for storage of the brooch/pendant fittings. We've been waiting a long time for the privilege of offering a Mrs. N piece, and this one absolutely does not fail to disappoint.

STONES 

.22ct Old Mine Cut Diamond

Natural Opals

MEASUREMENTS 

5.0 x 2.3cm

WEIGHT 

8.5g

MARKS 

Mrs. N maker's mark

Tests as 18k gold

CONDITION 

Excellent