Can anyone help date, and describe, this brooch?

retro ruth

retro ruth

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Staff member
As I've said before, I know so little about jewelry, and am keen to learn.

I found this brooch in a charity shop, and thought it might be quite old because the style of catch Can anyone help date it?

Also, what is it? I *think* it's a cornucopia, but what do you think?

Any other description help much appreciated, for instance what would I call the stones?

Thank you.

Ruth

DSCF4038-1.jpg

DSCF4039-1.jpg
 
Ruth, I'm no expert on jewellery but I agree that it's a cornucopia, and I would date it as probably '20s or maybe '30s, and the stones might be Czech crystal or glass. I like the colours, it's quite pretty.

Now I'll go and wait for more knowledgeable people and see what they have to say :)

Nicole
 
Ruth -

I don't know much about jewelry this age, but I agree that it's a cornucopia and I think it's older than '20's or '30's - I think it's 19C. or possibly early 20C. . How big is it? What is the metal? Sniff it and see if you think it's silver. The hinge is a "tube" hinge and the clasp is a "C" clasp. The pin stem is quite long, and extends beyond the piece which is typical of Victorian pieces - but it's very colorful so it's either early or possibly early 20C.

The trouble with using just the findings to date pieces is that they were used past the period when new findings were invented. The stones are older cut and are a combination of faceted and cabochon cut. They could be Czech or just older "paste." I do not know the value or the exact age, but I really like it!

Linn
 
Thanks Linn and Nicole. Really interested to learn it could be so old. I paid next to nothing for it. I'm glad you like it - I really do too!

It's quite small, about 1.25 inch across. I'm not sure what the metal is, I don't think it's silver, but I'm not certain. Don't know what silver smells like!

R
 
Ruth -

Silver, especially tarnished silver has a sort of sulphur like smell. It might be a silver - not necessarily Sterling which would be marked if it's English, but possibly a lower grade - and it may not be English. I really don't know how old the piece is, but I think it is probably 19C. I think the stones are glass.

I've read that the tube hinge was not used much after the 1890's but of course someone can always use older findings. You might want to take it to an antique shop that specialize in older jewelry and get an opinion. I look forward to learning what you find out - or if someone else on the forum has an opinion.

Linn
 
Thanks so much for your input Linn, and if I can find somewhere for an opinion I will, and will let you know. I can't smell anything I have to say.

Originally posted by Linn
I've read that the tube hinge was not used much after the 1990's but of course someone can always use older findings.
Click to expand...

I take it you mean 1890s.

It's very confidence-building to know I was right it was an old piece, even though my guess was mid-20th Century. I'm thrilled that it could be 19th Century, or even early 20th. I realise even so it might not be worth a huge amount, but I bought it for £2! :)


Ruth
 
Oh, that's pretty, and so unusual!

I agree with Linn on the challenges of precise dating with an earlier piece like this, that we don't see as often as we'd like. Despite the early findings, the style/color isn't something I've seen in books or turn of the century catalogs, so pinning it down is best left to an expert in antique jewelry!

My wild--and very broad--guess would be somewhere between 1890 and 1910... But maybe it's even earlier?
 
Ruth -

I have edited my post to read 1890's which is what I meant! My guess is the same as Carrie's but I feel it could be even earlier, too. I hope you will take it to an expert so we can find out!

Linn
 
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