Brutalist 70s Pendant/brooch in the manner of Arthur King. The large 3 1/4 x 2" 14k tendril-like gold work freeform pendant/brooch with four freshwater "stick" pearls accented with five round white diamonds. The pearls are lustrous and and in excellent condition, and due to the date of the piece possibly of Biwa origin. An excerpt from the American Museum of Natural History website states: "In 1914 pearl farmers began culturing freshwater pearls using the pearl mussels native to Lake Biwa. This lake, the largest and most ancient in Japan, lies near the city of Kyoto. The extensive and successful use of the Biwa Pearl Mussel is reflected in the name "Biwa pearls," a phrase nearly synonymous with freshwater pearls in general. Since the time of peak production in 1971, when Biwa pearl farmers produced six tons of cultured pearls, pollution and over-harvesting have caused the virtual extinction of this animal. Japanese pearl farmers now culture a hybrid pearl mussel--a cross between the last remaining Biwa Pearl Mussels and a closely related species from China--in other Japanese lakes." This piece makes an attractive statement brooch or can easily be worn as a pendant .. vertically or horizontally The gold is a rich bright yellow color and matches a ring we also have listed on the site. Striking , one of a kind.