Rhodonite, gold mount (56 zolotnik / 14K)

This miniature egg pendant, carved from muted pink Siberian rhodonite with natural black inclusions, is mounted in gold and dates to the late Imperial period, between 1908 and 1917. The suspension ring is mark with 56 zolotnik old Russian gold standard (equivalent to 14 karats) and indistinct maker’s initials.

Rhodonite was a fashionable decorative stone in early 20th century Russia and was frequently employed by the leading jewelers of the Tsarist Court – among them Faberge, Bolin, Hahn, and Koehli, for jewelry and objets d’art.

Height without ring is 13 mm (1/2 in.)