This antique jewelry item is a Victorian brooch with amethyst and crysoberyl crafted in 18k yellow gold, weighs 17.6g and measures 44mm long, 38mm wide and 18mm deep. Epitomizing a most fashionable and highly praised early Victorian design, this captivating and vividly colored brooch incorporates a quintessentially early Victorian oval plaque, adorned with amethyst and chrysoberyl gemstones, entirely mounted in closed foil-backed settings to enhance the color and translucency of the colored gemstones. An attention-seeking lozenge 'cartouche' decorates the center of the ovular plaque, exposing an alluring 2.10ct oval-faceted amethyst measuring 11mm long and 7mm wide, graded 'medium-purple' color and 'good' clarity mounted in an immaculately crafted ovular closed setting. A quatrefoil assemblage of Etruscan Revival inspired yellow gold granular profiles adorns the ovular center-stone setting, surrounded by two pairs of Baroque ovular amethysts graded 'medium-purple' color and 'fair' clarity. A number of eight Baroque chrysoberyl gems graded a contrasting 'greenish-yellow' color are distinctively juxtaposed throughout the lozenge plaque, mounted in delicate closed reflective foil-backed settings. An Egyptian Revival inspired, delicately chased corrugated ovular column secures the intricate lozenge cartouche in an elevated position, while a translucent ovular rim composed of oval-faceted amethysts and Baroque chrysoberyl stones, alternately spaced by globular yellow gold beads, lend a magnificent aesthetic grace to this authentic early Victorian pin. An artistically chased, corded-wire themed border creates an exquisitely scalloped perimeter, reminiscent of the unique Etruscan artistry. This authentic work of art is secured with the original pin and C-hook on reverse and features a delicate orbicular bale offering versatility of wear as a pendant with a fine yellow gold chain.

Amethyst, the modern birthstone for February, has long been considered a royal color and has therefore been in great demand throughout history. Fine quality amethysts are featured in the British crown jewels and were also favored by Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. A translucent purple-color member of the quartz family, amethyst is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry. The legend of the origin of amethyst is to be found in the Greek mythology and its Greek name 'amethysts' can be translated as 'not drunk', considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness. This may explain why, in ancient times, wine goblets were occasionally carved from this gemstone. In Tibet, amethyst continues to be considered sacred to Buddhists and used for fashioning rosaries. The color of this gemstone ranges from 'pale-lilac' to 'deep-purple'. The lighter colors, often referred to as 'rose de France', were popular and frequently used in Victorian jewelry. Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina as well as in Namibia and other African countries.

In spite of its Greek-derived name meaning gold-colored beryl, chrysoberyl is in fact distinct from the beryl group that includes emerald and aquamarine from the silicate family, as chrysoberyl is aluminum oxide containing beryllium. Together with alexandrite, chrysoberyl forms an independent gemstone category, of which the cats eye variety (with its narrow bright band of light on a shimmering golden background gliding magically across the surface) seems to be more widely known. With an excellent hardness of 8.5 on Mohs' scale, chrysoberyl comes in many nuances ranging from 'lemon' to 'greenish yellow', in honey colors and in shades from 'mint-green' to 'brownish-green', mostly found in the gemstone deposits of Brazil, Sri Lanka and East Africa. In ancient times, chrysoberyl was regarded as a 'protective' gemstone believed to keep disaster at bay and the cat's eye variety was considered a significant talisman.

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-THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD Suggested Retail Price: $3,000.00 Your Price: $1,950.00 $1,500.00 Wholesale Price: $1,500.00