Cosmic Lagoon : Antique Malachite and Swiss Cut Diamond Brooch in 18ct Gold

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Small but striking, this antique brooch features a deliciously detailed malachite cabochon surrounded by a halo of Swiss cut diamonds wrapped up in 18ct gold. This piece dates to the late Victorian to Edwardian Eras, circa 1890. It reminds me of a juicy bug or a microscopic being, or perhaps a creature from outer space! It has a warm and personable presence. The smooth surface of the malachite is soothing to the touch and the gentle sparkle of the old Swiss cut diamonds give it a delicate twinkle, like tiny magic winks.

I’m a big fan of this brooch. I do love it just as it is, but I admit I am sorely tempted to convert it into a statement ring (it’s an ideal size) or an east-west pendant on a captive chain.

Manufacture: 
Modelled in 18ct yellow gold, the brooch has no hallmarks but tests as 18ct by XRF test. The safety chain is gold plated.

The smooth and gently convex, oval shaped malachite cabochon measures 19.7mm x 14.4mm. It is set into a bezel setting, finished with milgrain detail.

Eight small Swiss cut diamonds surround the malachite cabochon, each held in individual deep bezels, again with milgrain detail. Swiss cut diamonds are a simple old cut of diamond, much like a single cut or eight cut diamond, but with a high table. Each diamond is approximately 2mm in diameter.

The brooch pin has a short tube hinge and fastens with a c-clasp.

A loop for a safety chain is present on one of the longer edges. You could replace the safety with a bail to hang it like a pendant from a chain if so desired.

Overall size is 25mm x 19.3mm x 5.6mm (not including the pin).
Weighs 5.3 grams

Condition:
In excellent antique condition, with very minor signs of wear, commensurate with age and gentle use.

Description

Modelled in 18ct yellow gold, the brooch has no hallmarks but tests as 18ct by XRF test. The safety chain is gold plated.

The smooth and gently convex, oval shaped malachite cabochon measures 19.7mm x 14.4mm. It is set into a bezel setting, finished with milgrain detail.

Eight small Swiss cut diamonds surround the malachite cabochon, each held in individual deep bezels, again with milgrain detail. Swiss cut diamonds are a simple old cut of diamond, much like a single cut or eight cut diamond, but with a high table. Each diamond is approximately 2mm in diameter.

The brooch pin has a short tube hinge and fastens with a c-clasp.

A loop for a safety chain is present on one of the longer edges. You could replace the safety with a bail to hang it like a pendant from a chain if so desired.

Overall size is 25mm x 19.3mm x 5.6mm (not including the pin).
Weighs 5.3 grams