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Antique ruby pendant/brooch, English, circa 1877.



antique brooch pendant berganza hatton garden
antique brooch pendant berganza hatton garden antique brooch pendant berganza hatton garden antique brooch pendant berganza hatton garden antique brooch pendant berganza hatton garden

Antique ruby pendant/brooch, English, circa 1877.

Necklace/Pendant/Chain, Pendants, Brooches

Price: £1,000

€1,100 $1,270 CHF1,180 HK$9,880
Ref: 26452

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Description

Antique ruby pendant/brooch. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural unenhanced ruby in an open back grain setting with an approximate weight of 0.70 carats, to an oval plaque featuring an incised radiating star motif to the centre, inscribed to the outter edge 'FROM A SINCERE FRIEND TO WM BLAIR, 25TH JAN 1877.' and pierced open backholing, fitted to reverse with a secure brooch pin and scroll catch and circular hinged bale to top. Marked 18 carat gold, marker's mark for Henry Griffith & Sons, English, circa 1877.


Today we think of brooches as a purely decorative item but brooches in their earliest form had a far more important role. In a time before buttons, brooches were used to hold clothing together.

The earliest forms of brooches appeared during the Neolithic period and Bronze Age with straight pins used as closers for clothing. The design evolved as time progressed to the Roman fibula (Latin for brooch). These brooches have a curved top allowing the sprung pin to hook into itself and form a secure closer.

During the late Roman period the penannular brooch was developed, this is formed of a ring with a pin attached. The early brooches would have been rather plain in design but as time progressed they increased in size and decoration became more complex. Zoomorphic designs of animals featured regularly with enamelling used to add colour to the pieces.

During the Viking period, brooches were used not only as a functional device but also to show the status and wealth of an individual.

The practical uses of brooches ceased during the middle ages when brooches transitioned into ornaments used purely for adornment and decoration, ushering a new phase for this jewellery item.

Brooches can be found in an array of designs featuring precious metals, gemstones of every kind, fine enamelling, engraving and carving. Due to their versatile nature, brooches can and have been worn on hats, scarves, overcoats, ball gowns, sashes, belts and even as pendants.

Our reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II is rarely seen without one of her elegant brooches. Since her coronation in 1952 she has delighted us with creations from the finest of jewellery houses such as Garrard, Boucheron and Cartier to name a few.
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Updated 26/09/2020 at 12:24PM

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