Lucky In Love : Antique Acrostic Wishbone Brooch with Old Cut Gemstones in 15ct

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A beautiful, sentimental, highly collectable and versatile acrostic brooch from the Victorian Era. Modelled in the shape of a wishbone, with a decorative scroll, acanthus flourishes, and two small three dimensional flowers worked in gold.

This piece was made at the height of Victorian sentimentality, circa 1860, with a hidden message disguised in the rainbow of gemstones set into the decorative scroll. The old cut gemstones set into the scroll spell out the word REGARD:
Ruby
Emerald
Garnet
Amethyst
Ruby
Diamond

Regard is a rather formal and stuffy word today, but 100+ years ago it conveyed a wealth of refined emotion. A piece of jewellery spelling ‘regard’ might be given to someone you had strong feelings for, but couldn’t yet declare your emotions with a jewel spelling ‘dearest’ or ‘adore’ – two other popular acrostic terms of the time. For those of you who enjoy historical romance, you could think of regard as the jewellery equivalent of Mr. Darcy stealing covert glances at Elizabeth Bennett in ‘Pride and Prejudice”. Today the jolly rainbow of gemstones is particularly pleasing both for its secret message and joyful appearance.

The acrostic gems are not the only hidden message in this sweet piece. Victorian’s liked to used secret messages wherever possible, and often commonplace objects were meant to represent something important. For example a swallow represented faithfulness (as swallows mate for life), and anchor for hope. This brooch is covered in sentimental motifs. The wishbone itself is, of course, for luck. The two small flowers are likely forget-me-nots, which needs no translation. The perennial acanthus can stand for constancy, and an appreciation of the fine arts – like a classical beauty. This piece was made as a very sincere declaration of strong feelings embodying the givers hopefulness of returned affection, and adoration of the receiver. Given the pristine condition of this piece I feel it’s fair to say that this has been a treasured heirloom since it was first given, and we can suppose that our original giver and receiver were lucky in love, indeed.

I have styled this piece as a pendant by threading a chain (also available) through the closed pin fastening. it sits very well like this, but could be permanently converted to a pendant without much trouble. Additionally there is a loop for a safety chain which could be used to add a bail to if desired.

Manufacture:
Modelled in 15ct gold and hallmarked 15ct to the back of the brooch.
All of the jewels are natural gemstones, with the exception of the fist pink stone, which is a garnet topped doublet imitating a ruby.

The brooch measures 16.2mm x 31.25mm x 4.07mm (not including the pin)
Weighs 3.21 grams.

Condition: 
Excellent. Ready for immediate wear.