Date for this gold brooch

Hattysattic

Hattysattic

VFG Member
I think this is gold, it's quite soft. For some reason I thought it was Edwardian or toward the 20s, but I have no basis for that! Any ideas on date? You can't see the babies clothes, unfortunately.



Makes me a little bit sad that it has ended up with me and I have no idea who it is, but hopefully can rehome it!
 
looks edwardian yeah...or very late vcitorian...do you think it could be pinchbeck??..probably would have originally held a curl of hair in it l think...
 
Harriet--

According to my "Sentimental Jewelry" book, photos took the place of miniatures in the late 1880s (with the invention of the dry plate and then the Eastman Kodak camera, which made teeny weeny pics possible).

They were often made to swivel on a heavy gilt or gold frame (many with twisted design that looks just like yours), with a photo on one side, and hair (from the subject of the photo) under glass on the other.

What's on the back of yours (besides a c-clasp, I'm assuming)?

My guess would be late 1800s to turn of the century.
 
Harriet
There was an article on these pins a few years ago in one of the decor magazines...Someone like Martha Stewart collects these. My understanding is that they have become very collectable since then. I wish I coul dbe more definitive in who the person was, but tucked it into my nice know memory bank but not necessary.
-Lorinda
 
Thank you both! Yes Carrie, it is indeed a C-clasp: here's the back view (thumbnail again)




I think it's gilt rather than gold (not all that heavy now I think about it). That's really interesting Lorinda, I simply don't deal in jewellery as a rule so good to know!
 
Harriet,
Keep in mind that older gold was not always marked and it did get dirty. I think there is a misconception that gold does not get dirty but my experience has been that it does especially if it has been in a jewlery box hanging around for years. The lesson here is never under esyimate what you have and get it tested!
-Lorinda
 
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