Brenda Ginsberg Antiques & Jewelry
Antique Georgian Victorian Brooch Pendant 18k Gold Diamonds Blue Enamel (6987)
Antique Georgian Victorian Brooch Pendant 18k Gold Diamonds Blue Enamel (6987)
Antique Georgian to early Victorian brooch pendant. 18k gold, deep blue enamel, rose-cut diamonds, a small amount of silver. Made in England, between 1775 and 1845. Please see note on dating below. Independent Appraisal.
Measurements: Width is approximately 1 1/4 inches (a little over 3cm). Weight is 12.1 grams. 1.38ct diamonds.
Description : Quatrefoil brooch pendant with 4 scrolling, lobed sides with gold border. Gently arched and convex with the center higher than the sides. Besides the gold border, the body of the brooch is beautifully enamelled in a deep blue color, with undulating patterns beneath the surface that appear as an inner, glowing light. Almost the entire surface is encrusted with rose-cut diamonds depicting flowers of different sizes in full bloom and in bud, with foliage and stem detail. Diamonds are set in silver, which was the norm in those days. Quality of workmanship is excellent. The brooch can be worn by a man or a woman and is a good example of unisex jewelry that is now called 'gender fluid'. It is versatile and can also be worn as a pendant. The back has a hinged pin with gold c-clasp as well as a pair of loops for hanging the jewel as a pendant. The loops are also hinged so that they can be tucked in at the back and hidden when not in use. All parts are in good order. Behind the pin is a glass-enclosed reserve for holding hair of a loved one. Presumably, this brooch/pendant was given to a loved one as a romantic gesture or as an item of semi mourning jewelry.
Deep blue enamel jewelry set with diamonds was produced in London from 1775. Initially, it was associated with the British royalty. Soon it was copied by the French, who called rings made like this 'bagues de firmament', meaning rings of the sky. We have seen and owned jewelry with the same deep blue enamel and diamonds made as late as 1845, so it's difficult to date this brooch to either the Georgian or Victorian era with certainty.
Marks and Metal: No marks, typical of jewelry of this period.
Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Antique enamel in such good condition is a rarity. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. Independent appraisal available to new owner.