This Victorian piqué brooch is handcrafted in tortoise shell inlaid with gold and silver, referred to as the 'piqué' technique. Introduced in England by Huguenot artisans in the 17th century, piqué was first applied to small ornamental objects and gradually grew in popularity to become an important trade by the mid-nineteenth century. Craftsmen produced two distinct styles of piqué work at that time, namely ‘piqué point’ and ‘piqué posé'. The latter, of which this alluring brooch is a sample, involved the use of strips of gold or silver sheets in floral, geometric, and scalloped patterns, which were impressed into the warmed and softened tortoiseshell. The piqué technique was used for producing beads, bangles, brooches and belt buckles and reached its highest point of popularity in the 1860’s until Birmingham discovered methods of mass-producing it in the 1870’s resulting in a decline of piqué work quality hitherto made entirely by hand. In view of the laws and restrictions limiting or forbidding the slaughter of tortoise as endangered species, piqué jewelry is no longer being produced and the antique pieces are extremely rare and irreplaceable. This exquisite, florally inspired and rare authentic Victorian brooch is secured with the original pin and 'C' hook and, in spite of the considerable passage of time, is in pristine condition.

EO212P1

Suggested Retail Price: $1,000.00 Your Price: $650.00 $575.00 Wholesale Price: $500.00