Curios

Fine Georgian foiled amethyst and gold locket back brooch Here we have a splendid brooch of circa 1830, comprising foiled amethysts in cut down, closed back gold settings. The stones are all flat cut, with one round cut added as a replacement at a later date. They vary in colour from pale lavender to deep, dark purple. At the centre of the brooch is a vacant domed crystal compartment with a wonderful hinged aperture to verso. The original 'c' clip and pin are in fine working order, together with a later gold safety chain. The piece measures around 23.8mm in length and 18mm in width, with a thickness of approximately 8.1mm. Each stone measures around 4mm in its gold setting. Hallmarked: no Acid tested as low carat gold Gross weight: 6g Condition: two visible chips to amethysts and one a replacement; small chip to edge of glass locket back

Small Georgian ornate seed pearl gold brooch with inscription circa 1825 A truly sweet little brooch with a bevelled glazed panel of hair work at its centre, framed by a border of tiny ivory seed pearls. A further border of ornate gold work makes this piece a little object of art. It depicts a carved floral motif that speaks to the neo-classical sentiment of the era. To the reverse a white metal pin and original 'C' clip are in good working order. An inscription in beautiful Engrosser's Script reads, "A Pledge of Friendship", so interestingly, this is not a mourning piece, as one might expect, but rather a token of amity. It was likely worn every day by a young Georgian lady, on her lace, and put away each night in her jewellery box. It measures 14.2 x 21.2mm. The pin is around 22mm and extends a little further. Tests as low carat gold Gross weight: 4g Condition: light scuffs to glass panel; wear to gold; visible lead work to reverse