Black Enamel Rose Pendant Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold Vermeil

A rose pendant necklace in gold and black. A single long-stemmed rose with two leaves is cast in relief and set against an oval of black enamel, inside a scrolled filigree frame with a line of simulated diamonds down each side and one at each point. 14K yellow gold vermeil over solid 925 sterling silver, on an 18 inch cable chain.

The Design

The pendant is built like a Victorian mourning cameo turned to gold: an oval of glossy black enamel, a rose in full bloom raised from it in polished gold, and a frame of pierced scrolls around the edge, with round simulated diamonds set along the frame's inner line and one at the top, bottom and each side. It hangs from a plain bail on a fine cable chain, so the pendant turns freely and the rose catches light as it moves.

It sits in the dark-romance lane we cover in gothic necklaces and gothic jewelry meaning. For how it wears, the necklace length guide shows where 18 inches falls, and how to layer necklaces covers pairing it with a shorter chain.

The Enamel

The black is vitreous enamel: powdered glass fused to the silver under heat, then polished flat, so the surface is hard, glossy and permanent rather than painted. It is the same technique used on antique mourning jewelry, and it gives the rose a flat black ground that no stone would. Enamel is harder than lacquer but can chip under a sharp blow, so the pendant is best kept off the gym floor.

Metal and Stones

The pendant and chain are 14K yellow gold vermeil: real 14K gold over solid 925 sterling silver. Our guide to caring for vermeil jewelry covers the finish, and what is gold vermeil explains what sets vermeil apart.

The small white stones around the frame are simulated diamond (cubic zirconia). Our moissanite vs cubic zirconia post explains what that material does well and where it falls short of a mined stone. There is no center gemstone; the rose and the enamel are the point.

The cable chain is 18 inches with a spring-ring clasp, in matching yellow gold vermeil. Find it alongside our necklaces, gemstone necklaces and black jewelry, and the rest of our gold vermeil jewelry.

Aquamarise vermeil is real gold over sterling silver 925, the rich golden look you love at a price that makes it easy to say yes. Keep it luminous with a little care: remove before showering, swimming or exercise, avoid contact with lotions and fragrance, and store dry between wears.

Specifications

Care

Vermeil asks for a little more care than plain silver, because the gold layer is a surface. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth, never a silver polishing cloth, which is abrasive and will thin the gold. Put the necklace on last, after perfume, hairspray and lotion. Take it off before swimming, showering and the gym, keep the enamel clear of sharp knocks, and store it flat in the velvet box so the chain does not kink. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.