Antique Aluminium Jet Brooch

Unusual Victorian pin of aluminum, "amethyst" paste, gilt metal and mother of pearl. The aluminum is embossed with a foliate design. A bold and striking piece to wear on a shoulder o...

Enchanting brooch of cut steel and mother of pearl with carved image of a faithful dog standing at attention as his human companion peacefully angles for a catch under the shade of a tree. The scene is carved from Mother of Pearl and mounted in cut steel. The brooch’s long bar hinge with curved "C" catch helps authenticate indicate its age. Mother of pearl is the iridescent inner shell of mollusks that produce pearls. It has been used to carve decorative objects since ancient times and is the most precious part of the shell. Cut steel was a jewelry form crafted by a cottage industry of men and women (and likely child labor as well) in the 18th and 19th century England. Cut steel was also made in France. Using found materials, this enterprising group of artisans fashioned jewelry from nails which after pounding and polishing and setting, imitated the sparkle of diamonds in the light. Cut steel achieved great popularity as it appealed to people of more moderate means and was the only jewelry form in history that was made by steel workers...

Victorian French Jet rectangular brooch from the late 19th Century. Round and Pear shaped jet "stones" are mounted on fine wire work mount. 1880's France. ...

Antique Victorian gold and silver piqué brooch - large size - museum quality - intricately set with hand tooled and engraved panels and elements - origina...