Vintage from the 19th century
Condition: Good (read for flaws)
Length: 15/16 Inches; Width: 7/8 Inches
Materials: Glass, Gold, Hair
Gemstone: Garnet, Pearl
Style: Victorian, Georgian

A beautiful little brooch just right for a collar--or perhaps for converting into a ring. At the center is what the original seller assures me is very finely woven blond hair, beneath a leveled glass window that measures 3/8 by almost 1/2 inch. The glass is surrounded by seed pearls that have retained a good amount of luster, and there's a ring of wonderfully sparkly flat-cut garnets around that. It is a beautiful little piece, at just 15/16 by 7/8 inches. A c-clasp finishes it off.

The metal tests between 10K and 14K gold. It's probably safe to call it 10K. It tests as solid but is likely to be a wrap of gold, a bit thicker than plating, over silver or some other metal.

I've tried to show sparkliness by taking shots at several angles. It's really amazing.

With age comes aging, of course. There are some flaws. One of the garnets is missing, alas. There are some brown spots inside the glass, and there is no way to open it up to clean (if such would be your wish). The back shows the expected scratches from wear--because this piece was commissioned and loved and worn, which makes it extra special.

I know that the weaving inside the window may look too fine to be human hair. The very last photo is of a verified historical brooch with work just as fine. You can make up your own mind as to whether the weaving has the texture that satisfies you.

So please do study all photos carefully to make sure this is the right piece for you.

From a nonsmoking, pet-loving home.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Virginia.