14K Yellow Gold Antique Quatrefoil Scent Bottle Pendant

This exceptional 14K yellow gold antique quatrefoil scent bottle pendant is a rare and evocative example of a functional and ornamental jewel from the height of the Victorian era (1839–1901). At its heart is a quatrefoil shaped perfume or “scent” bottle, beautifully detailed in rich yellow gold with an intricately worked repoussé surface typical of the period’s fine metalwork. The front of the pendant is centered with an old European cut diamond, adding a touch of sparkle that would have complemented Victorian tastes for both romantic symbolism and elegant adornment. 

The rear features a scrolling swirl pattern in similar style, mirroring the front’s artistry but without a gemstone, creating a balanced and unified design all around. Two jump rings, one on either side of the bottle, accommodate the link chain that joins at the top to anchor to the bale. The stopper, no longer working, is attached to the bottle via a fine chain. Above, a finely crafted 14K yellow gold adjustable 16–18" curb link chain with a secure lobster clasp completes the piece.

What makes this pendant particularly resonant is its history as a functional object. During the Victorian era, scent or perfume bottle pendants were highly sought after accessories. Women used them to carry a favorite fragrance close at hand, both as a luxury and as a practical item in a time before modern hygiene products, perfume served to mask unpleasant odors and was also associated with refinement and personal elegance. These small pendants often featured delicate hinge lids or stoppers and were attached to chains so they could be worn around the neck as jewellery and accessible reservoirs for precious scented oils. 

The pendant once would have functioned to hold perfume or “scent” when the lid or stopper was removable. Though the top no longer opens and cannot currently serve this original function, the design still reflects that intimate Victorian tradition, making the piece a wearable historical treasure.

• 14K yellow gold
• (1) old European-cut diamonds (0.11 ctw)
• Diamond clarity: I-2
• Diamond colour: H-I
• Gram weight is 9.2
• Pendant measures approximately 3 cm from bale to bottom
• Chain measures approximately 16" to 18" in length
• Independently appraised value for insurance purposes: $5,940.00 (note: may not reflect selling price)

All items in the Estate Originals Collection are estate pieces created in years gone by. Although this item is in excellent condition, it could have some signs of its age and past enjoyment. The images shown are of the exact item you will receive.