BridgetownTreasures
Jr. Member
Found this in grandma’s things, would love to know more about its story. No stamps or marks that I can see. Working on getting it cleaned up. I’ve soaked it a bit, but I want to be gentle so I’m taking it slow.
Help with this beautiful pin? Thank you!
- Thread starter BridgetownTreasures
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Based on the style of the back pin and the jewelry design, I'm thinking it's from the late-Victorian or early-Edwardian Period. 
I would think a piece as beautifully crafted as this would have a makers mark on it, but it also might be silver-plate over brass based on the uneven look of the metal.
"The Edwardian era, like the Georgian and Victorian eras before it, derives its name from the reign of an English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). This is the final jewelry period appellation to be defined by a British monarch. Edward was the lighthearted, luxury loving antithesis of his mother. Even while he was still the Prince of Wales, Edward was infamous for being a playboy and a gambler. After his coronation he continued to surround himself with fast moving, nouveau riche plutocrats, spending most of his time engaged in various social endeavors. Jewelry was an important part of the lifestyle cultivated by this extremely wealthy upper class. When considering the stylistic elements of the Edwardian period, the era actually begins earlier, during the declining years of the reign of Queen Victoria, and ends a few years after Edward’s death with the onset of World War I.
The last decade of the nineteenth century, the fin de siècle, was a time when the rejection of the machine-made jewelry that had once been welcomed as an innovation, caused an about face in fashion and design. Jewelry went from large and ostentatious to ethereal and delicate almost overnight. Employing what was to become known as the “garland” style or style guirlande, jewelers who chose not to embrace Art Nouveau or the Arts and Crafts movement borrowed the fluidity of their lines and incorporated them into more traditional motifs thereby creating Edwardian jewelry. The “new” designs of the Edwardian Era had their roots firmly planted in eighteenth-century jewelry."
Dave
I would think a piece as beautifully crafted as this would have a makers mark on it, but it also might be silver-plate over brass based on the uneven look of the metal.
"The Edwardian era, like the Georgian and Victorian eras before it, derives its name from the reign of an English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). This is the final jewelry period appellation to be defined by a British monarch. Edward was the lighthearted, luxury loving antithesis of his mother. Even while he was still the Prince of Wales, Edward was infamous for being a playboy and a gambler. After his coronation he continued to surround himself with fast moving, nouveau riche plutocrats, spending most of his time engaged in various social endeavors. Jewelry was an important part of the lifestyle cultivated by this extremely wealthy upper class. When considering the stylistic elements of the Edwardian period, the era actually begins earlier, during the declining years of the reign of Queen Victoria, and ends a few years after Edward’s death with the onset of World War I.
The last decade of the nineteenth century, the fin de siècle, was a time when the rejection of the machine-made jewelry that had once been welcomed as an innovation, caused an about face in fashion and design. Jewelry went from large and ostentatious to ethereal and delicate almost overnight. Employing what was to become known as the “garland” style or style guirlande, jewelers who chose not to embrace Art Nouveau or the Arts and Crafts movement borrowed the fluidity of their lines and incorporated them into more traditional motifs thereby creating Edwardian jewelry. The “new” designs of the Edwardian Era had their roots firmly planted in eighteenth-century jewelry."
Dave
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DCMatt
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It makes me think of Solje (SOL-ya) brooches. These were/are traditional Scandinavian pieces typically given to brides for their wedding day. Originally they had tear shaped 'spoons' that dangled from them which were to ward off evil spirits. Artistic interpretation turned them into fashion jewelry by the Edwardian era.
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- Aug 19, 2014
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This is called "Cannetille".
AKA... Siam piece... and its just a brooch... not a "chatelaine".
A chatelaine would have "items" of difference ... not decorative balls.
AKA... Siam piece... and its just a brooch... not a "chatelaine".
A chatelaine would have "items" of difference ... not decorative balls.
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- Aug 19, 2014
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- Aug 19, 2014
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The OPs... is silver.
That is what they look like after you dig one out of a jewelry box after years of sitting.
They did not make them fake as far I as I know.
That is what they look like after you dig one out of a jewelry box after years of sitting.
They did not make them fake as far I as I know.
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BridgetownTreasures - Simple way to tell if yours in in fact silver like I believe it is.
Take a paper towel... fold until 2x2 square or there about... and rub vigorously over top of pin...
If immediate shine and darkening on paper towel occur... silver.
Take a paper towel... fold until 2x2 square or there about... and rub vigorously over top of pin...
If immediate shine and darkening on paper towel occur... silver.
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BridgetownTreasures
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Thank you AARC! Great info. I have done the tinfoil/baking soda/hot water soak twice. Any other advice on getting the rest of the deeper tarnish off? Would love to see it in its glory & also uncover any markings I'm missing.
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BridgetownTreasures
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Won't have the piece in front of me until later today. 
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Any piece of felt like(ish) cloth will work to quickly polish sterling or even any silver... minus german silver which will take a little more elbow grease.
Silver plated items also polish easily like this... but they hve a different "way" about them... in quickness... seems the "underbelly" materials grips the tarnish better as it "hosts" it as well.
If any ofthat makes any sense at all.
Does to me
Silver plated items also polish easily like this... but they hve a different "way" about them... in quickness... seems the "underbelly" materials grips the tarnish better as it "hosts" it as well.
If any ofthat makes any sense at all.
Does to me
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Oh... one more thing... simply take a magnet to it as prelim test...
Now... the "pin" may stick... as well as the "bar" part and mechanism.
But "balls" should be "free" from "pull".
Lightly move magnet close and away several times slowly and see if reaction ... even slight one will indicate that it is not silver. (due to the "era" of this piece)
***NOTE... there are many NEW items produced today that DO attract to magnets but are still in fact silver.
This is due to several reasons.
Now... the "pin" may stick... as well as the "bar" part and mechanism.
But "balls" should be "free" from "pull".
Lightly move magnet close and away several times slowly and see if reaction ... even slight one will indicate that it is not silver. (due to the "era" of this piece)
***NOTE... there are many NEW items produced today that DO attract to magnets but are still in fact silver.
This is due to several reasons.
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