Posted 9 years ago
davyd286
(38 items)
I would guess this set dates from about 1930s: opaque carved black material riveted or screwed to a brass base and mounted with bezel-set rhinestones. The brooch measures over 2" and I feel the design is much too big, bold, and streamlined for it to be Victorian but as always, I invite members' opinions.
Update: Thanks to Valentino's tip and further research, I can now confidently place this set in the Bakelite category. Mentioned in the discussion below, a "carved Bakelite frog brooch on guilt metal c.1930" with the identical pattern carved on its back and attached to a similar metal base is featured on p. 75 in Tolkien & Wilkinson's A Collector's Guide to Costume Jewelry (Firefly Books 1997). Another book "20th Century Costume Jewelry" (if my memory serves me right) identifies the carved Bakelite frog pin on brass as French. The maker is still unknown and so the search continues.......
very beautiful!!!!
You could be right, Valentino! I pulled out my Bakelite book (by Wassertrom & Pina) and found items carved with identical "dots" on pp.141-142. And just the other day I caught a glimpse of some Bakelite pins mounted on brass with metal edges showing (but can't remember where, unfortunately). I should get them tested.
Could it be a set of 'mourning jewellery'.
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/fine-jewelry/mourning
If I save all my money I might, just might be able to afford a piece of Bakelite jewellery.
Stunning elegance!