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Rebecca Rau Pillar of Light Necklace
- Rebecca Rau’s Pillar of Light necklace brings together treasures spanning nearly two millennia
- The necklace’s exceptional 8.38-carat fancy yellow-brown diamond is classified by GIA as Type IIa
- The design incorporates a Roman bronze fitting and a handmade Russian silver chain
- The rare diamond’s 18K yellow gold cap is pavé-set with rubies totaling 0.64 carat
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The diamond’s remarkable faceted crystal form inspired the. . .
The diamond’s remarkable faceted crystal form inspired the design. Broad, transparent planes reveal its water-like clarity, while facets at the base scatter rainbow light. Nearly colorless in appearance under incandescent light, the gem takes on a warm peach glow in daylight. GIA confirms its Type IIa classification, the most chemically pure category of diamond, distinguished by exceptional optical transparency. Fewer than 2% of natural gem diamonds belong to this rare category. A custom 18K yellow gold cap, pavé-set on both sides with rubies totaling 0.64 carat, crowns the stone.
Above the diamond, a Roman bronze belt fitting, dating to approximately 100–300 CE, retains its pierced ornament and rich green patina. Its ancient surface contrasts with the luminous geometry of the gem below. The Russian silver chain, dating to circa 1800, was shaped and joined entirely by hand. Its intricate construction belongs to the tradition of Orthodox devotional adornment, wherein chains were used to suspend a cross. Together, these elements preserve the craftsmanship of their respective eras within a distinctly contemporary jewel.
A fourth-generation antiquarian whose great-grandfather founded M.S. Rau, Rebecca Rau draws upon a lifetime spent among exceptional art and antiques. Her THEN & NOW collection reimagines historic artifacts as one-of-a-kind jewels. In Pillar of Light, ancient bronze, handmade silver and an exceptionally rare diamond each retain their individual character within a singular design.
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| Maker: | Rau, Rebecca |
| Period: | Contemporary |
| Origin: | Other Europe |
| Type: | Necklaces |
| Style: | Ancient |
| Stones: | Diamonds;Ruby |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
