A beautiful Victorian tassel pinchbeck brooch with a large faceted amethyst spinel. Spinel is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, the most valuable being ruby. Tassel fringe was popular during the 1800s so that it would sway and shimmer adding some glamour to frequently somber jewelry. The amethyst spinel was used for that purpose as well, beautiful but not an overpowering color. I believe the closure has been replaced with the current more modern safety clasp. In good vintage condition. Ready to wear and to add to a collection.