This ethereal 200 year old solid 18K gold gem set lace brooch pendant is best described as magical. Georgian
jewelry of this detail and in such intact condition is astonishingly
rare and as we all know for every piece there must be a hundred out
there in imitation... It's amazing to hold this delicate jewel. The
gold has a bloom from 200 years of careful wear.
You can just imagine the places it has been and the parties attended
where it was worn on a lace gown and admired by all. It's romantic and
takes your breath away- and for all of you Georgian jewelry fanatics out
there you will know exactly what I refer to and how these words don't
do justice to a genuine era piece like this one. Set amidst the
delicate sparkly of beautiful colors are four genuine natural pearls
each approximately 2.3mm in diameter. These are natural pearls in this
period of course as cultured pearls were not invented for more than 120
years after this piece was made. In total there are 16 grass
green bright little emeralds all set with foil backs and measuring on
average 2.5mm by 2.1mm. These lovely gems are well matched for color and
cut beautifully. They each weigh approximately 5 points as estimating
weights will allow in the foil backed settings. These are super pretty
little emeralds which are bright and have lovely glittery sparkle. In total there is approximately 0.8 carats of fine emeralds set in this snowflake pendant. The
topaz vary in color a lot throughout the brooch and are each foil
backed. The smaller single cut gems are each 3.3mm round and weigh
approximately 20 points. The larger oval cuts are each on average 6.2mm
by 4.2mm and weigh approximately 50 points and the largest oval cuts are
each on average 7.9mm by 5.7mm and weigh approximately 1 carat each. The total weight of gems in this stunning Georgian brooch is approximately 7.6 carats. Of
course as common in this era this piece is not marked for metal
fineness but tests have conclusively confirmed solid 18K yellow gold. It weighs 11.8 grams. Delicate
to look at this brooch is surprisingly large when measured which is not
visually apparent because of the fine details. From side to side it
measures 1 7/8" and from top to bottom including the bale or attachment
for the safety chain it measures 2" in length (48mm x 51mm). The safety chain can be removed of course and is approximately 2 3/4" in length (70mm). If
so desired this lovely brooch could be worn as a pendant as the safety
chain can be detached and the bale used to suspend this lovely jewel on a
silk cord or delicate chain as so desired. This entire brooch
is handmade - every small lace like detail and setting has been
carefully worked by hand. The detail and skill involved here does
literally take your breath away. The condition here is excellent
for the authenticity of this piece. The emeralds are secure in their
settings and are intact there is one with a small percussion mark to a
facet viewed only at high magnification, another with an abraded table
facet and a small chip to yet another not visible without high
magnification. The pearls are secure in their settings and the nacre
still thick they have some natural variation in color to be expected for
genuine pearls from the sea. The gold has some oxidation in places from
two hundred years of use quite often perfume and the like can have this
effect over a long time. The topaz are all secure in their settings and
viewed at magnification you can see corrosion to the original foil at
the back of the settings which for genuine Georgian jewelry collectors
is reassuring that this piece is not reproduction. The topaz are in good
condition with 3 stones of the twelve having small chips to the sides
which are not visible except at high magnification. There is some
evidence at very high magnification that the backs of the topaz were
colored pink those many hundreds of years ago with the dye deteriorated
over time. Once again this is a detail that simply cannot be faked even
by a clever forger today. The small triangular delicate handmade claws
which hold the gems in place are each and every one intact. Finally and
very importantly the c clasp is strong, intact and very secure. This
is an extraordinary Georgian jewel that has been worn carefully and
cared for over more than 200 years. It presents beautifully as the
photographs which are highly magnified show. A full appraisal certificate accompanies this rare jewel. It will be sent in a presentation box ready for gifting and for safe keeping forever.
Price: $9,800.00
By appointment only
T: 0407242234
admin@ophirjewels.com