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Antique Brooches
Posted by Gill Jones on 21/08/2013
Brooches are such beautiful items of jewellery, often referred to as vintage they are the final touch to an outfit and certainly add certain sophistication to any costume. Of course any brooch more than a hundred years old is not vintage, but an antique and you may not be too keen to wear it if you’ve paid a good deal of money for it. It may form part of a collection, although it’s a shame if you don’t, no one else gets to see it but you.
Be that as it may there is plethora of brooches all over the internet and in high street shops and the question is – how do you know it’s authentic. It is usually best to stick with antique stores that have been dealing in antiques for many, many years and to stay away from places like ebay, etsy or pinterest. You are not completely sure you’re getting exactly what you might think is antique. Although there are ways you can question the authenticity of the item in question, all the reassurance in the world isn’t going to help if you really feel unsure of the time and history of your desired brooch. If you do feel this way then don’t buy, especially if you’re about to spend a considerable amount of money on it.
Brooches are functional as well as decorative; they have been refined and developed over the years from simple materials to opulent and flamboyant pieces that really told something about the wearer’s status. Although the brooch may have evolved from the simple branch or twig to hold a few rags together they would become the ultimate status simple for those wishing to show their wealth.
From small stones in the 17th century to gems in the 18th brooch making become more glamorous and expensive as time wore on, with diamonds, sapphires and pearls being used in brooch design. Brooches made from these gems and those using gold and silver would be the expression of the highest rank in society.
The allure of the brooch has not waned with time, they are as popular as ever and make a for a fine collection. As with any antique it is the research, the long search followed by the find and then that all important lucrative purchase that seals the deal, that makes antiques so exciting and no less so with items of jewellery such as the brooch.
On www.antiques.co.uk there are some exquisite pieces such as the diamond and jade set Georgian brooch in 24ct gold. With natural diamond set in platinum and a 2ct jade stone set on an ebony base it is in excellent condition for a brooch dating back to the 17th century. In keeping with earlier feature on Art Deco we have a brooch from the same period with diamonds and gold leaf which is a delicate and stunning piece. Finally there is a really excellent brooch from the latter half of the 19th century, which comes with matching buttons and a large buckle in its own original case, made of solid silver and enamel it’s in very good condition.
Brooches are such timeless pieces and so uniquely stylish, far from being old fashioned they can really add something to whatever you’re wearing and if they’ve been handled carefully by the owner, are usually in excellent condition. They also come with their own story and unique history. Don’t hide away your brooches if you do start a collection, share the love and wear them with pride.