Large Antique Victorian Amethyst Paste Brooch with Gold Safety Chain

Jewelry : Antique : Victorian : Gold Filled : Amethyst : Brooch : C1850 : Gold Safety Chain

 

Wow - this is a Jewel! A very large and ornate Victorian Brooch set with a faceted Amethyst Paste. The surface of the Brooch tests as Gold (minimum 14kt), but it does not have the weight of solid gold, and would be either gold filled or gold plated. The Brooch measures 2 3/4 inches across and 2 inches down and fastens with an extended tube hinged pin and 'C' clasp. The Safety Chain is marked on the pin '9' for 9kt Gold. The faceted Amethyst Paste measures 1 1/4 inches across and 1 inch down and is in a lovely decorative bezel setting. Dating to the early to mid 1800's, this would have been made as a cheaper version of the real thing for a Lady to wear on more mundane occasions - saving the real thing for special events. In excellent condition for it's age, there are two small holes in the metal close to the edge of the bezel setting, but these are barely visible. There are no chips to the amethyst stone, just some slight surface rubs, which are only visible with magnification, to the naked eye the stone looks perfect. Quite light in weight considering the size of the brooch and stone, so just as wearable on today's fabrics as the heavier fabrics used in Victorian times. Certainly a Jewel to get you noticed!

Item ID: RL402