Early Victorian Diamond Silver on Gold Floral Brooch

Beautifully designed and masterfully handcrafted, this early Victorian brooch from ca 1860 displays an enchanting floral design with flexible elements that bring this piece of period jewelry to life on the cloth it is worn on. The top of this brooch has a flower petal centrally set with a bright white Old Mine diamond, which spins when touched. It is surrounded by branch-like elements, also set with Old Mine diamonds, and the bottom is embellished with flexible, vine-shaped drops—all set in silver-topped yellow gold—a wonderful and precious piece of historic jewelry. The technique of setting silver on gold jewelry was created in the Victorian era to showcase the diamonds against the white-colored silver. As silver could discolor sensitive material, it was worn over time. The back was worked in yellow gold - a technique which was lost over time but has an enchanting display of colors in jewelry. 2 in (50.8 mm)Length: 3 in (76.2 mm)

• Item Number: D3738