CAROLINE'S JEWELRY WITH A PAST

Victorian  c. 1850        Inventory #BH00269

15kt. Yellow gold plaque style BROOCH. This magnificent piece of jewelry features two hanging pendants. The hollow, hand worked brooch is remarkably light and fluid and has numerous curlicues. There are 4 oval, closed back foiled Imperial pink topaz in two different sizes and a closed back teardrop shaped foiled pink topaz in a removable center drop. The topaz are all uniformly pink and in great condition. The center brooch and both drops feature cushion cut, pale yellowish green chrysoberyls as a counterpoint to the pink topaz. All stones are bezel set and held with triangular shaped prongs. The topaz measure 12mm X 10,  11.75mm X 9.75mm, 2- 8mm X 7mm, and 5mm X 14mm or an estimated total weight of 17+ carats.  The large drop is hanging by a braided chain that is quite wonderful in its own right. The piece has rock crystal compartment on the back and a C-clasp. The brooch is 4-1/4" long X 2-3/4" wide. The center plaques measures 2-3/4" wide X 1-1/2 long (without the detachable center drop). The detachable drop measures 1-1/8" long X 5/8" wide and the attached center drop is 1" wide X 1-3/4" long. The chain on either side measures 2-1/2". There is a chip in the upper left side topaz under one prong and 3 prongs missing in various locations, otherwise the piece is in remarkable condition $1800.00