Two Designs for Pendants with Diamonds, Henri Cameré, c. 1864 - c. 1894

pen and brown ink, watercolour, and opaque white, h 140mm × w 94mm More details

In 1867 rich diamond deposits were discovered along the Orange River in South Africa. Diamonds subsequently flooded the European market. Their price went down, and they became more widely available and affordable than in previous centuries. Notice the three drop-shaped diamonds hanging from the pendant in the top drawing; this type of cut is called briolette. The cruciform pendant is set with brilliant-cut diamonds.