A rare and early 18ct gold example of a Halley’s Comet. Beautifully designed with a chunky rose cut diamond and fine repousee work. Halley’s comet was named after an 18th century royal astronomer named Sir Edmund Halley. Halley studied sightings of comets between 1531 and 1682. His studies and research led him to decide that a single comet actually circled the sun every 75-76 years, and its next return would be sighted again 1759. Sir Edmund Halley died in 1742 just a few years before the comet returned as predicted. This jewel has been designed with two pins, one with a plain ball finial, beautifully attached by a chain. They would have been worn on a gentleman’s cravat or coat. The comet measures 26 mm x 11 mm and the rose cut diamond measures 5 mm x 3 mm. Dates to c.1800. Jewels like this would have only been made for the early 19th century upper classes, they will never be made again. An exquisite example of antique English 18ct gold celestial jewellery. Please note the box shown is for demonstration purposes.
Measurements: the longest pin measures 58 mm and the shorter pin measures 48 mm
Weighs: 3.68 grams
Hallmarks: none, tests as 18ct gold