Sally Brooch

The crescent moon is an embodiment of evolutions and cycles of change. This is an original Victorian banded agate and natural pearl brooch. During this period, there was a substantial amount of technological and science advancements. This likely was created as an inspiration with the fascination of astrology. This lacks the personalization that you would see in mourning jewelry, although it’s not out of the question that it could be representing the macabre.

Agates are a microcrystalline variety of silica. Did you know that its banded look is still not completely understood and there are only theories? The leading hypothesis is that there are empty spots of voids in volcanic rock and that silica fluids penetrate through the rocks.

This was just before the time frame of when Mikimoto industrialized cultured pearls. Happy to say these are natural, look at the varying colors! These are extremely rare to own.

The evenness on the sides of the brooch indicates some level of casting, the pieces from the top and bottom coming together. The origins of jewelry production started around this time. Although the assembly and the top of the brooch have evidence of being hand tooled.

Sally has a Jack! He is getting a jump ring on before I list on my shop. I’ll update their listings in case you want to make this a festive duo. 😉

Specification

15k gold

1870-1880s (Victorian)

1” in length and 0.97” in width

Banded agate

Natural pearls with varying sizes and color 

4 grams in weight

Care

Intermediate – natural pearls are delicate

Clean

Advanced – closed back, no immersion in water!

Condition

Excellent!

Cost Drivers

Gemstone type: supreme

Gold purity level: above average

Gemstone quantity: average    

Gold weight: average  

Rarity: above average

Condition: supreme