This eye-catching pendant features a true work of art - a beautiful, highly-carved antique gaming counter. Gaming counters, aka gambling chips, are beautiful pieces of fine quality mother-of-pearl that were hand carved in China in the 18th and 19th centuries, then exported to Britain where they were used the same way poker chips are used in the United States. Highly-carved chips differ from their engraved counterparts in that this technique was used closer to the end of the carving period, closer to the 1850's vs the early 1700's, and there were far fewer highly-carved pieces compared to the engraved counters. While both depicted life and motifs popular in ancient China, highly-carved chips are much rarer than those that were engraved. This particular counter has superior luster and detail, and has been mounted in a handmade, 18k yellow gold frame that was custom-designed for this particular piece. Blue kyanite cabochons, each set in its own handmade bezel, add rich color and even more dimension to the exquisitely finished frame. Handcrafted by our Master Jewelers in Los Angeles, this is a jewel from another time and a real conversation piece!
Gambling counter with frame measures 1-3/4" in diameter.
Pendant including kyanite cabochons measures 2-1/2" in diameter.
Kyanite cabochons, 10.00 x 8.00mm, 12.52 carats total
