19th Century Shakudo Wasp Pendant ruby maker's mark for Cesare di

maker's mark for Cesare di Giralamo

One pearl has slight rubbing to the nacre

realising they were both ready for a new challenge

It fastens with a concealed clasp and the stamps confirm it's constructed in sterling silver

a vivid blood-red ruby is nestled within a halo cluster of chunky

19th Century Shakudo Wasp Pendant ruby maker's mark for Cesare diThe gold gleaming wasp peers out from a clump of oak leaves and acorns. This shakud pendant was made in Japan in the mid 19th century, circa 1850. Shakud () is a Japanese mixed metal alloy of gold and copper (typically 4 10% and 96 90% respectively) used for inlays and decorative purposes. As in this case, it's often carved and treated to produce a black patina before being inlayed with high carat gold. "In Japanese culture wasps are considered of