Jewellery, Watches, Antiquities and Objects of Vertu

An early 20th century diamond pendant, circa 1900-1905, the upper section of flared palmette design, with central principal transitional-cut diamond between scrolling motifs, the piercedwork setting edged throughout with millegrain detail, and suspending tear-shaped drop below with outer border of rose-cut diamonds, two colour precious metal mounted, on fine trace-link chain, in original grey leather and gilt tooled fitted case, the silk signed ‘Gowland Bros Ltd, 48 Cornhill EC’ and containing detachable brooch fitting and original screwdriver within the case lining, length 5.5cm. £2,600-£3,600

In the London Gazette dated 10th July 1906, a notice was published stating that “The Partnership heretofore subsisting between .. George William Gowland and James Gowland, carrying on business as Jewellers at 348 Cornhill, in the city of London under the style or firm of GOWLAND BROTHERS, has been dissolved by mutual consent and from the 31st day of March, 1906. All debts due to and and owing by the said late firm will be received and paid by the said George William Gowland, Dated this sixth day of July, 1906.”

As the company ceased trading in 1906, this pendant therefore must have been made prior to this date despite the forward looking design.