Blushing Sweetness : Victorian Era Rose Amethyst and Pearl Brooch in 15ct Gold

Some things make you happy just looking at them. This delicately pink hued amethyst brooch from the late Victorian Era does that for me, and I hope for you, too. Every millimetre of this finely worked jewel is a little marvel of details. For example, the bezel holding the amethyst is scalloped along the edge like a frill of lace, the pattern repeated on the edge of the brooch in the gold that hugs each of the pearls in the halo in a tight embrace.

Brooches were essential items of a jewellery wardrobe until the late 20th Century, but a revival is surely imminent with superstar musicians and actors recently choosing to adorn their exquisite outfits with a tidy bit of vintage bling. Brooches were originally very useful little items – in the days before zips and velcro they helped to secure items of clothing in place in the prettiest way possible. With the advent of “ready to wear” fashion a brooch was worn to elevate an outfit, and to ensure nobody was wearing the same ensemble at an event as you.

Today’s antique jewellery lovers know that brooches can be worn as pendants by threading a chain behind the pin, or as necklace extenders by attaching the pin between the loop and clasp of an antique chain. I’m a little more pedestrian with my brooches – I like to pair them up with my winter and summer hats, the tiny ones wear well on a cardigan and the heavyweight brooches turn your basic jacket into something exceptional. They’re always the first thing I get complimented on at any event.

Manufacture: 
Handmade in 15ct gold, there are no hallmarks but the metal content has been verified by XRF test.

The pink “rose de France” amethyst has been verified as natural by an independent gemologist. It measures approximately 17mm x 12.5mm x 6.2mm – about 6.25 carats.

The surrounding pearl halo is made of 22 wild ocean pearls or bright white lustre and all in excellent condition. The pears have a diameter of approximately 2.5mm each.

The brooch fastens with the original c-clasp and tube hinge. The brooch has a safety chain and stick pin fastener, which may have been later additions and can be easily removed.

The brooch measures 22.2mm x 18.2mm x 6.2mm (not including the pin and hardware).
Weighs 5.47 grams.

Condition:
Excellent. No faults to note.