1900s 18K Gold Charm with Cherry Openwork Decoration

Cherry Motif Pendant
Europe, early–mid 20th century
18K Gold, Diamond Gemstones

This finely composed pendant presents a stylized cherry branch rendered in gold and enclosed within a geometric, shield-like openwork frame. The cherries—longstanding symbols of sweetness, abundance, and youthful vitality—hang delicately from a slender stem, their rounded forms balanced by softly articulated leaves above.

The pendant’s angular frame contrasts elegantly with the organic subject, reflecting early-20th-century European taste for blending natural motifs with structured design. At the base of the frame, a small diamond accent introduces a discreet point of brilliance, anchoring the composition and adding refinement without overwhelming the narrative imagery.

Fruit motifs such as cherries were popular in sentimental and symbolic jewelry, often associated with prosperity, love’s pleasures, and the fleeting beauty of life. Designed to be worn close to the body, this pendant would have functioned as a personal emblem rather than a purely decorative jewel—its meaning quietly communicated through form and iconography.

Today, the piece stands as a charming example of symbolic gold jewelry, where botanical imagery, balanced composition, and restrained luxury converge.