14K & Silver Belgian Georgian/Victorian Diamond Flemish Heart Pendant

A gorgeous Belgian Georgian/Victorian c.1831-1850 Flemish heart dangle pendant, modelled in 14k gold and silver, hallmarked.

The design is known as the Flemish Heart, and they were also known as 'Vlaams Hart' - Dutch for Flemish Heart, made popular and fashionable throughout the 19th century due to their rich symbolism and were traditionally given as gifts from children to their Mother on her birthday. This particular design has an open-work filigree crown on the top, suspending a dangling heart, and is a fine testament to Belgian craftsmanship.

A similar piece is part of the DIVA, museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp collection observed here.

It is set with lovely foiled rose cut diamonds approx. 0.97ctw by spread. They provide a soft and lovely sparkle with an old charm. This particular Flemish heart design is rather unique, as it has two dangling portions on the bottom.

It is hallmarked with the Belgian small sword hallmark on the bail, used in Belgium c.1831-1868, as well as a maker's mark, offered in excellent condition with all original components. It would be a wonderful addition to any jewellery lover's collection.

It measures 42mm x 54mm with bail, 42mm x 47mm without bail, and weighs 10.80 grams.

Symbolism of Flemish Heart
"A type of jewellery known as the Flemish heart consists of a heart-shaped part with a diamond at the centre, surmounted by a trophy, which can take the form of a crown or – as here – a trophy consisting of a burning torch, a quiver and a bow. The trophy refers to the attributes of the god of love Cupid and symbolizes the victory of love.

Variations consisting of both trophy and crown are few and far between. According to some jewellery historians, the central diamond is the symbol of the heart of Mary herself. Flemish hearts are among the most widespread items of Flemish jewellery and most frequently found in family jewellery boxes. At the end of the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth centuries there was a tradition of children giving their mother a Flemish heart on her birthday or on Mothering Sunday. This tradition spread widely from Antwerp all over the Southern Netherlands." - The entire above excerpt is provided by DIVA, museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp. Click here for the page written by DIVA museum about Flemish Heart jewellery in the 19th century.

Note: Please note that as the diamonds are foiled, it is advisable that the piece does not get wet or exposed to water. It can be gently cleaned by wiping it down with a wrung out damp cloth.

Era - Georgian to Victorian c.1831-1850
Materials - 14k gold and silver / Rose Cut Diamond
Carat Weight - Diamond: 0.97ctw by spread
Measurements - 42mm x 54mm with bail, 42mm x 47mm without bail