Intensely romantic - this brooch is engraved "To My Wife, Mary Peterson, Dec. 16th, 1869, J. W. P." It dates from the period just after the American Civil War, and comes from an estate in western Maryland, just south of Gettysburg, PA.

The brooch is about 1 1/2" x 1", with an additional 1/2" for the pearl drop. The brooch tests as 15K, and is presumed to be gold plated. The front is a classical style with taille d'epargne detailing. It has a hinged c-clasp and old professional repair to reattach the hinge.

Our jeweler has examined the pearl, and it is either a natural pearl or a cultured pearl with a very thick lamina. The pearl is slightly irregular in shape and has a lustrous iridescence. It has been drilled at the top to accommodate a fastener.

One can only imagine the romantic story behind this brooch.