Garnet Gold Brooch
Pomegranate like Bohemian garnets forming a stunning brooch.
Deposits of richly coloured garnets were discovered in Bohemia (now part fo the Czech Rebuplic) in the 1500's. The area has an incredible history of gems and jewellery making dating back to the Iron Age, and the artisans in the area began developing techniques to cut and facet the gems, and set them into jewellery. This style of rose cut garnets set very close together was extremely poular in the Victorian era, and this is when this pendant dates from. The garnets are a mixture of rose cuts and cabachons, and are set into Pinchbeck. This is a low carat gold (lower than 9ct) that was often used in this type of jewellery, as it is strong and can only be seen on the back of the brooch.
Pin fitting with attached safety chain.
Measures 38mm across.