Posted 14 years ago
beezee52
(1 item)
I recently bought a box of jewelry out of a Florida estate. This old brooch was in the mix. It measures 4 inches long by 2 1/4 inches wide. The blue center, which appears to be Wedgwood, measures about 1 inch across. There are eight stones set around the center. It weighs 38 grams. I can't find any markings. The back appears to have been fashioned from maybe an old buckle or ribbon slide. I would appreciate any help I can get in identifying this piece.
certainly photographs like gold, does it respond to a magnet?
The gemstones in it seem uneven, which means they could be diamonds... any jeweller or pawn shop can easily tell you if the gold/diamonds are authentic.
The blue cameo might have been dyed, hard to tell if it is naturally carved or not without seeing it in person with at least a 10x loupe. The style of the diamond settings are similar to ones you'd find in the Victorian era. Incredible piece of worksmanship, a keeper indeed.
It does look very old! I have seen Wedgwood jasper ware like this set in 9 and 14ct gold from the early 1900s - this looks even older and is very beautiful! I would have it tested as Luisa suggested. If you know anyone with a gem tester it would just take a second to check if the stones are diamonds, & if they are then the metal is almost certain to be at least 9ct gold.
I know this is an old post... BUT... A true beauty!!! 38 grams!?!
It appears the catch is a replacement, the removed original one left remains (pic 3)
What is puzzling then is the dangles which should have been placed where the pin stem is...
I agree with Luisa and Vintiquechic for gold :-) Have it carefully tested (no scratch!!!).
The stones seems (to me!) to be paste, not diamonds, due to the cut, and blackening of two of them.