Circa 1860, a very pretty Victorian white chalcedony and turquoise mourning brooch in silver gilt (gold plated silver).
The brooch features a gem set turquoise locket compartment on the front which contains a tiny weave of pale blonde hair behind thick glass. The chalcedony is flat oval cut with a bevelled edge and is semi-transparent. It is mounted with adorable decorative claws that are shaped like little lion paws and framed in a pretty embossed barley sugar twist border. The back has a sturdy steel pin back with a t-hinge and c-clasp.
A sweet piece of antique jewellery and a classic mourning/sentimental piece that makes for an elegant and unusual accent accessory. The Victorians regarded the ethereal white chalcedony as a pure stone, enhancing love and protecting the wearer, likewise turquoise has represented love and protection since ancient times. It isn't at all surprising that they were considered perfect gemstones for sentimental and mourning jewellery, which is always steeped in symbolism!
MATERIALS: gold plated silver (gilt)
GEMSTONES: Presidium tested, white chalcedony, turquoise
MEASUREMENTS: 1-1/2" (4cm) wide, 1-1/8" (2.8cm) tall
WEIGHT: 9 grams.
CONDITION: in good antique condition, the chalcedony stone has a V-shaped hairline crack near the hinge but the stone is stable in the setting with no movement (and we have priced accordingly). Any other lines visible are natural inclusions deep within the stone. The tiny turquoise stones are all present and correct and the hair work is still tightly woven with no debris behind the glass. The gold metal setting shows surface wear as expected, old solder and light tarnish. The pin back is sturdy and in perfect working order with the hinge solid. There is a little ring on the back that would have had a brooch safety chain attached. Please see the photos.
At Mercy Madge we offer a carefully curated collection of antique and vintage jewellery. Each piece is hand selected with you in mind and we rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FREE DELIVERY on all orders worldwide. All orders are despatched next business day and sent with full tracking.
- RETURNS, you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
- Our photographs are taken in extreme close-up to show you every tiny detail. Any flaws are greatly magnified so they won’t be nearly as noticeable to the naked eye and reflections caused by bright lighting can cast to dark spots and discoloured areas that don't exist in real life.
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Materials: Silver Gilt, White Chalcedony, Turquoise.