Brooch - Victorian?

awaywiffairies

awaywiffairies

Registered Guest
Hello!

I picked up this brooch yest. It's quite large and sadly missing it's centre, tho if I can't find a replacement, I think it can be worn as is.

Just wondering re dating, after researching online the brooch looks older than the 50s, possibly Victorian? The brooch has brown topaz coloured gems which it seems the Victorians used to use in brooches, very deep coloured aurora borealis and crystal gems. I know it's not Edwardian as definitely not arts and crafts or art nouveau.

It has a c bar closure and brushed gold tone metal on reverse.

Your help would be great! Also, any ideas what the middle gem would have been?

Thankyou

Sarah

ps note to self: find book on vintage costume jewellery but hope members don't mind me asking this time..

broochvfg.jpg
brooochbigger.jpg
 
Hmm...from this angle the clasp to me looks 50s or later. But that is just from the angle. Does the clasp sort of roll over the pin? or does the pin just tuck under?
 
It rolls over....hmmm, sounds like 60s doing Victorian reproduction, the topaz gems threw me as very Victorian from what I gather from researching online...

Sarah
 
Originally posted by awaywiffairies
It rolls over....hmmm, sounds like 60s doing Victorian reproduction, the topaz gems threw me as very Victorian from what I gather from researching online...

Sarah
Click to expand...

yes, i it rolls over than I would say your idea of 60s doing Victorian is correct. While there are gems that could have been very popular during an era, it doesn't mean they are not used later. Are you sure they are real topaz and not AB or crystal? or glass?
 
Always thought they were glass topaz not the real thing as I know if they were real, there would be marks, makers name etc, so for sure, topaz glass looking gems....pure costume!

Thanks everso for your help! :spin:

Sarah
 
Oh, btw as far as what is in the middle - i would guess crystal/cut glass but it could have also been a cameo (probably plastic, not a "real" one). Because it is not a regular shape i would guess cut glass/crystal

I am wondering if you should appeal to people that restore/remake jewelry but it might be worth it to have a stone put in to make it wearable and then include the documentation. But its entirely your call :)
 
Two quick tips on dating - if it has AB stones it is post 1955 or so and if the back is textured like yours it is not earlier than late '50s's. I agree with '60's for this piece and would replace the missing stone.

You will need to measure the opening, order the stone and some Hypo-cement glue.

Linn
 
REPLACEMENT GEMSTONES

Finally I can HELP someone
:sunshine:
visit Mr.Stones at
http://www.mrstones.com/cart/cart.php
they have almost everything to help repair AND clean vintage costume jewelry you can either shop for a piece yourself or send it to them and they will do the location work and repair (for a fee of course).
I used them to locate and buy a margarite stone that lost it's foil back and it is a very pretty piece as well. The professional costume jewelry people cal them "UNSIGNED BEAUTIES"
 
I can vouch for Matthew's (Mr. Stones) work. He replaced 2 or 3 stones for me in 2 pieces, and you could not tell which ones they were once they were done. I think several folks here have used him; very reasonable prices, too, IMHO.
 
Thanks DeCoDiVa, I think that website will be very useful to alot of friends and members on VFG and Anne's backed them, so that will go down on my list of very useful links! Not sure it will be worth it on this brooch though, but got other jewellery that will be worth the trouble.

Thanks again!

Sarah
 
Sarah -

If you can determine what size stone you need this is an "easy" glue-in repair. I do most of my own stone replacement except really difficult prong set ones that I cannot budge - and I've even done a bunch of them but I've been doing this awhile.

You need a caliper to determine the size of the stone - then you need the stone and some hypo-cement glue. (Don't use too much.) Another website to note is www.prettysnazzy.com Stephanie sells stones, glue, etc. and may be able to provide what you need.

Good luck!

Linn
 
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