Hello Juanita, the antique cut of the diamonds will provide dating clues. Rose cut diamonds became popular as early as 1620. They are fairly easy to identify. The table or the top of the stone is pointed, because it has been faceted with triangles that come to a point at the center.
Gemstone cutters had great fun with rose cut stones as they could do so many variations in the number of facets.
Old mine cut diamonds are a later evolution. Diamonds cut in this style were from the Brazilian mines discovered in 1700. When the new mines were discovered in South Africa (1867) the mines in Brazil became known as the "old mines". They can be identified as they have a squarish girdle outline.
On the back of the pin/brooch in the middle, I can see a "hook" which means the brooch doubles up as a watch pin. The hook usually had enough "crook" to help secure the pendant watch.
Watches have been worn in various ways since 1500. These include - Pocket Watches, Wrist Watch, Lapel Watch, Finger Watch, and PENDANT WATCH which was worn by a woman suspended from a brooch or chain like your beautiful brooch here.
Plants & flowers often had romantic meanings in Antique Jewelry. The romantic movement which arose during the second half of the 18th century as an antidote to the Enlightenment, came to full blossom during the first part of the nineteenth century, a period we generally describe as Early Victorian or the Romantic Period in the English speaking parts of the world.
Even when the Victorian era really started around 1830 (1837 if one wants to be historically correct), one can see its roots starting to develop in the late 18th and early 19th century - especially from around 1815.
I can't see the catch clearly, but if it is the trombone or tube catch (because it looks like a tube) and original to the brooch, this style of catch was used towards the end of the 19th century.
Unfortunately I can't see the mark clearly, even when I zoom in. If you could upload a close-up photo of the marks please, we may be able to get more information on the responsibility marks and hallmark.
kindest regards, Yvonne Hammouda-Eyre If you would like to join the Antique Jewelry Investor community and stay up to date with all the latest Antique jewelry news, click here....
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Antique Diamond Brooch by: Juanita Wills
Hi, I posted this brooch about a year ago. Could Yvonne please look at it and tell me what you think. Thank you
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Beautiful Booch by: June
I would just like to let Juanita know that I think her brooch is just exquisite. June
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Hallmarks by: Anonymous
PS - If your brooch has an eagle head hallmark, that is French for 18k gold. This mark was used from 1848-1932.
Regards,
Jacquelyn
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Your Brooch by: Anonymous
Dear Juliana,
From the design of the brooch and the trombone-style clasp I see peeking out at the back, I would judge this brooch to date to c.1895 - 1910. The trombone clasp was not patented until 1894, and the design of the brooch indicates an early Art Nouveau influence. This is a lovely piece!
Best regards,
Jacquelyn Babush
Aesthetic Engineering Fine Jewels and Antiques
