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Antique, Victorian brooch pin. Tourmaline, diamond, pearl set in silver on 18 carat gold. Made 1850-1880. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.
Has old gemological appraisal from 2011.
Slightly over 1 3/4 inches accross the front. Weighs 13.6grams. Central tourmaline was appraised as 11.80 carats and a carat of diamonds.
Statement design. A very solid, rectangular, large forest green tourmaline mounted in a gold colette with beaded edge, floats in a sea of openwork diamonds and pearls.
The large tourmaline is faceted, much like an emerald and the color changes along with the light. It ranges from light and clear to dark and opaque, depending on how the light hits it. We have shown this in 'photos with paired views.
The mount is like a floating sea of lace. Openwork diamonds - the larger colette set, the smaller rosecuts pave set. The cardinal points offset by pearls. Design of scrolls and shells, swags, fans and loops. The diamond design dips and swoops higher and lower, giving additional dimentions of depth and movement.
Great contrast between the lacy quality of the openwork diamonds and pearls and the very solid gem in the centre.
Mount is 18k yellow gold under silver with gold details and borders. During the Victorian era, diamonds were invariably set in silver to set them off more impressively in gas or candele-light. However, to prevent tarnish, backs were gold, as were the mounts of other gems.
Gold pin with rotating clasp/catch.
The brooch may originally have been made for a woman, but today, it is suitable for any gender.
There are a number of hallmarks on the gold mount as well as on the pin. Due to age, the marks are not clearly legible, but those on the brooch itself appear to be an animal head facing right, a bird in flight and another mark, possibly containing the letter 'J'. The marks on the pin appear to be the same bird mark as well as a chicken/cocks's head with clearly visible cockscomb.
Good condition with negligible wear commensurate with age and use. Please see 'photos.
An old appraisal from 2011 is available to the new owner. At the time, brooch was valued at $6250.00 Gemological information will not have changed since then.
