Victorian Silver Paste Flower Necklace

This Victorian silver and paste floral pendant necklace captures the romance and refinement of 19th-century design. Crafted in cool-toned silver, the pendant blooms in a delicate botanical arrangement: a single sparkling stone at the top leads to a cluster of shimmering paste “petals” radiating from a central gem, their old-style cuts catching and scattering the light with a soft, enchanting fire. Suspended from a fine, open-link chain, the piece drapes with an effortless grace that feels both regal and intimate.

Paste jewellery held a special place in fashion and society of the Victorian era. “Paste” refers to a high-quality form of leaded glass, expertly cut and polished to mimic the brilliance of diamonds. Far from being mere imitation, paste was celebrated for its ability to refract light in a softer, more romantic way than diamonds – far from being an imitation, this quality lent such luminous, moonlit charm that paste was often used in fine evening jewellery, where candlelight would make the stones glow with a gentle magic.

This necklace is a perfect example of why antique paste jewellery remains so captivating today: it blends masterful craftsmanship, graceful design, and a touch of old-world glamour, making it as beautiful and wearable now as it was over a century ago.
 

“The earth laughs in flowers.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson