Georgian 9ct Gold Mourning Brooch

Georgian 9ct Gold Mourning Brooch

Regular price R 15,950

Georgian 9ct Gold Mourning Brooch
 
The antique Georgian or early Victorian 9ct yellow gold mourning (or more probably “Think of Me”) brooch is unusually large and has a long needle.
The brooch was probably made as a memento to remind of a loved one during a period of absence, rather than after death. Mourning brooches, for after death, became more of a feature in Victorian times, particularly after the death of Prince Albert.
The brooch contains a centrepiece of elaborately arranged hair in a stylised “Prince of Wales feather design. The centrepiece is decorated with very fine twist-wire and other fine wire gold decoration. The hair and the gold decoration are mounted on a white background that is probably made of mother-of-pearl.
The centrepiece is covered by a clear glass front and a black glass back and is tube-set into an elaborate, open-work Rococo gold surround with engraved details.
The brooch has a small attached ring on the back that could be used for a safety chain or possibly to fix a bale to enable the brooch to be worn as a pendant.
 The brooch is unmarked but has been electronically scanned and tests to be approximately 9ct gold. It is probably English.
 
Weight                                    23.5g total
Age                                         Circa 1830
Dimensions                             Circa 61.5mm x 54mm x 13mm
                                                 thick (excluding needle)
Origin                                       Probably England
Condition                                Excellent, particularly considering its age
Stock Code                             BG125