Fabergé diamond and blue chalcedony pendant, circa 1910

Scratched inventory number 81488

Gold, diamonds, chalcedony, silver 

3 x 1 x 1/3 in. (74.9 x 26.01 x 8.1 mm)

Inv. no. ab_0314

Around 1900, Fabergé, Lalique, Charles Robert Ashbee, and other jewelers in Europe and North America made chalcedony a centerpiece of their new designs. Sometimes known as moonstone for its subtle luster or glow, it can be found in colors ranging from milky white to pale pink to blue. The deep blue of the stones in this pendant were uncommon and commanded a higher price than their more pallid counterparts. Fabergé sometimes combined tiny diamonds with cabochon chalcedonies to create an effect of “moon and stars.”