{"product_id":"victorian-natural-mined-gold-nugget-pendant-with-21k-hoop-c-1890","title":"Victorian Gold Nugget Pendant","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eAn unusual and highly tactile Victorian gold nugget pendant, dating to around 1890. This piece features a natural, untouched gold nugget in its original sponge-like form, suspended from a 21K gold circular bail for wear as a pendant.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eWeighing 4.65g and measuring approximately 16×11×5mm, the nugget is formed of exceptionally bright, high-karat gold, testing at approximately 22–23K. Its surface is notably flaky and porous, indicative of what geologists refer to as a “sponge” formation. These irregular textures develop as gold forms in naturally aerated environments, often close to the earth’s surface, where water movement gradually sculpts its exterior.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe nugget has not been cut, polished, or shaped; it remains entirely as it was when first discovered, a rare example of a geological specimen elevated to jewellery with only the addition of a minimal 21K gold suspension loop which makes the length of the pendant 2.5cm. Such pieces were collected and worn as symbols of wealth, luck, and adventure during the late 19th-century global gold rush period.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eWhile its precise origin is undocumented, it was likely sourced from one of the major gold-producing regions of the day; including California, Alaska, or Australia - where such nuggets were regularly found, admired, and preserved in wearable form.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIn excellent condition with no damage or alteration to the nugget. A vivid example of Victorian-era fascination with naturalism, mineral wealth, and the raw beauty of the earth itself.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48731383988532,"sku":"1017810107","price":13954.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/0G2A5313_2116835.jpg?v=1753369813","url":"https:\/\/ravensburyantiques.com\/zh-hk\/products\/victorian-natural-mined-gold-nugget-pendant-with-21k-hoop-c-1890","provider":"Ravensbury Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}