"Cynthia"

Antique 14K, Diamond, Pearl & Enamel Crescent Brooch

  • Sale
  • $1,150.00
  • Regular price $1,575.00


 

Celestial jewelry first gained popularity thanks to the discovery of Halley’s comet, by astronomer Sir Edmond Halley all the way back in 1682. He correctly predicted the comet would return in 1758, then again in 1835. To prepare for the comet's arrival in the 1800’s, late-Georgian/ early Victorian women sought out comet-themed brooches in gold and diamonds or silver and paste.

The celestial jewelry craze did not pass with Halley’s comet. Throughout the Victorian era, stars were carved into gemstones, or used as the base shape for brooches and hair ornaments. Stars and crescent moons were fashioned out of pearls, opals, rubies, diamonds and other hard stones.

During the reign of King Edward VII in the early 1900’s, Queen Alexandra generously adorned her outfits with many star and crescent jewels.

More than 100 years later  moon, star and sun designs remain popular in all jewelry categories, from fashion to fine. For almost as long as we’ve been studying the stars, we’ve been adorning ourselves with their glimmering likeness.

This wonderful, chubby crescent moon brooch is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, with a sparkling 'buttercup' set diamond in the center. Embellished with a laurel of leaves and a forget me not flower studded with a tiny seed pearl, it also has a halo of perfectly intact black enamel. This most likely indicates that the piece was worn as a mourning accessory. In true Victorian fashion, the reverse holds a hook to hang a dangler from. A great example of celestial and mourning jewelry, and perfect for any Victorian jewelry collection!

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 1" diameter

Weight: 8.9 grams

 

 

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 1.5"

Weight: 8.8 grams

Materials: Gold, Diamond, Pearl, Enamel

Metal: 14K yellow gold

Marks: None

Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear