Victorian Revivalist gold, shell and pearl brooch
A Victorian gold shell brooch, the open shell with split pearl highlights within.
The shell is representative of feminine beauty, as Venus rises from the sea upon an oyster shell.
As well as being symbols of purity, pearls are believed to offer protection to the wearer, as well as attract good luck and wealth, quite possibly the reasons that pearls are thought to be good luck for the bride to wear on her wedding day. Many legends also link pearls to the tears of the gods, and so pearls will stop a bride from crying on her wedding day. Indian folklore also suggests that Krishna also gave a pearl to his daughter on her wedding day
Shell jewellery has been worn for tens of thousands of years, but the Victorian fascination of the natural world alongside their intrigue around the discoveries of the Archeological Revivals creates this delicate brooch. John Brogden was an exponent of such Revival pieces, a necklace using half shells is displayed as plate 202 in the book Understanding Jewellery, David Bennett & Daniela Mascetti.
Marks:
Not obviously marked for material or maker.
Unmarked gold.
Electronically tests as high carat gold, presumed interference from the gilt finish.
Date:
Circa last quarter of the 19th century.
Length:
4.8cms.
Condition:
General surface wear and slight dirt.
The edges of the shell have been worked/shaped and appear slightly rough to the edges.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.
A Victorian gold shell brooch, the open shell with split pearl highlights within.
The shell is representative of feminine beauty, as Venus rises from the sea upon an oyster shell.
As well as being symbols of purity, pearls are believed to offer protection to the wearer, as well as attract good luck and wealth, quite possibly the reasons that pearls are thought to be good luck for the bride to wear on her wedding day. Many legends also link pearls to the tears of the gods, and so pearls will stop a bride from crying on her wedding day. Indian folklore also suggests that Krishna also gave a pearl to his daughter on her wedding day
Shell jewellery has been worn for tens of thousands of years, but the Victorian fascination of the natural world alongside their intrigue around the discoveries of the Archeological Revivals creates this delicate brooch. John Brogden was an exponent of such Revival pieces, a necklace using half shells is displayed as plate 202 in the book Understanding Jewellery, David Bennett & Daniela Mascetti.
Marks:
Not obviously marked for material or maker.
Unmarked gold.
Electronically tests as high carat gold, presumed interference from the gilt finish.
Date:
Circa last quarter of the 19th century.
Length:
4.8cms.
Condition:
General surface wear and slight dirt.
The edges of the shell have been worked/shaped and appear slightly rough to the edges.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.