Hour of Joy 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with Custom Bezel Set Oval Rosé Pink Wedgwood Jasperware and Diamonds

14k yellow gold pendant necklace with one 20th Century Wedgwood Jasperware oval medallion, with the “Wedgwood” stamp behind it.

The Jasperware was acquired separately at auction and was bezel-set in this new pendant, that was custom designed for the object. The pendant has clusters of diamonds on the sides, top and bottom: twelve round-shaped diamonds weighing 0.46 carats total.

The motif on the medallion is one of the reliefs associated with “Dancing Hours”, a series of graceful, draped female forms used frequently in Wedgwood's 18th-century designs, inspired by Greco-Roman bas-reliefs, and originally designed by John Flaxman Jr. These figures typically represent allegorical times of day or moods, often shown in elegant, flowing motion, holding garlands, tambourines, or ribbons. This particular figure is called “The Hour of Joy” or “Dancing Hour with Garland” — one of the more iconic poses, featuring a flowing figure with arms outstretched holding a garland, which was a popular element in the set.

The “Hour of Joy” relief in the forefront is white and the background color of the medallion is the classic Wedgwood “Rosé”, sometimes called “Rosé Pink”. This is a soft muted pink with a matte finish and is one of the signature and identifiable colors of Wedgwood ceramics.

The pendant slides on a new 14K yellow gold chain, which is 16 inches long and weighs 1.8 grams, with a lobster lock. This pendant necklace is part of a broader series of jewelry that is being custom made by Massoyan Jewelers, using Wedgwood Jasperware.

Background on Wedgwood:
Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood, a pioneering English potter who revolutionized ceramics with innovative techniques and neoclassical designs. He is best known for creating jasperware, a matte-finished stoneware. Over the centuries, Wedgwood became synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, earning royal patronage and global acclaim.