Antique very early Victorian Louis Philippe pair of brooches / pins. 18k gold over silver, turquoise and diamonds. Made circa 1840. Bought in Paris, but in the absence of French hallmarks, we cannot be certain of the origin. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.
Measurements:
Weight is 7.8 grams. Approximately 1 3/8 inches across (3.5cm).
Description :
Exquisitely made pair of brooches. Each consists of a trio of elongated pear-shaped natural turquoise cabochons. Color is amazingly bright and homogonous after all these years. They are connected by very fine rings of foliage set with diamonds. Further diamonds form a flower in the circle created by the foliage. Additional, matching fine diamond work at the terminal and pointed edge of each turquoise. While the upper pair of turquoise arms are rigidly set, like a bar brooch, the 3rd, lower turquoise is linked via a pair of loops to the others. This allows them to move freely. As was the custom at that time, diamonds are set in silver, supposedly to show them off to greater effect in gaslight. Backs of silver and mounts/settings are 18k gold. This is a very rare pair of brooches almost 200 years old. Amazing that they would have survived at all in this condition, and even more so, together.
Workmanship is very fine and beautiful. Very versatile: can be worn with any outfit for any person. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman and one could also split them with a partner - each wearing one. Can be worn to hold a cravat, scarf, on a jacket lapel or sleeve. Endless possibilities.
Marks and Metal:
We did not find any marks on either pin. Gold was acid tested to ensure metal purity.
Condition:
Minor wear commensurate with age. Turquoise is a natural stone and has some age cracks/losses that are visible with a loupe, but not the naked eye and mentioned only for the sake of accuracy. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
