Ornate hair work brooch

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