This Victorian memorial brooch with black enamel is crafted in 12ct green gold with yellow gold accents, most likely of English origin, weighs 13.2g and measures 38mm long, 32mm wide and 9mm deep. Designed as elaborate, miniature picture frames to accommodate two photographs or locks of hair, this popular Victorian 'basket-weave' design epitomizes the early 1860's memorial and sentimental jewelry. In addition to brooches, the Victorian sentimental jewelry encompassed an extensive repertoire including rings made of a plain band coated with black enamel within gold borders richly chased with floral motifs, or forget-me-nots carved in onyx plaques and set with half pearls against black enamel. Locks of hair woven to perfection were set at the center of diamond or pearl pendants or at the back of gold lockets and rings were designed with plaited hair set beneath a convex rock crystal. Irrespective of their design and settings, these items were produced to convey veiled and unveiled messages of love and affection. By virtue of its specific design, this alluring Victorian memorial brooch was most probably produced in memory of a couple or beloved twins. Dual antique rock crystal windows of ovular format are mounted within ornately chased yellow gold borders atop an ovular plaque to accommodate a pair of photographs, locks of hair or other memento of sentimental significance. The highly stylized and delicately scalloped rectangular panel depicts artistically engraved foliate-themed scrolls rendered in 12ct green gold against black enamel background. This entire assemblage is foil-backed in keeping with the techniques of the period, outfitted with the original pin and C-clasp. The '12ct' gold purity was legalized in England in 1854 together with '15ct' gold, both of which were declared not permissible as of 1932 in favor of 14k gold which was stamped '585' in Europe.

E914P1

Suggested Retail Price: $1,000.00 Your Price: $650.00 $450.00 Wholesale Price: $500.00