Antique 18th Century Imperial Topaz Amethyst Brooch Silver Portuguese, 1770s

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Antique 18th Century Imperial Topaz Amethyst Brooch Silver Portuguese, 1770s

About the Item

An antique 18th century foiled imperial topaz and amethyst brooch in silver, Portuguese, circa 1770. From the Georgian period, this brooch is designed as two openwork scrolled foliate branches issuing from the center, where hangs an articulated amethyst and topaz pear-shape cluster drop, all stones closed-set in silver. The brooch is secured to reverse with a later-added hinged pin and roller clasp fitting in silver. Accompanied by a fitted case. Tested as silver, not marked. Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.0 cm. Gross weight: 12.5g. Both Portugal and Spain had colonies in South America. Brazil was a treasure trove of precious stones, yielding huge quantities of diamonds, topaz, aquamarine and chrysoberyl gems, which were made into jewelry back in Portugal. These gemstones were pieced together and pave-set to create suites of swagged and beribboned necklaces and earrings in floral and bow motifs. In 1735, the mines of Minas Gerais in Brazil yielded a seam of imperial topaz with a slight pinkish hue. The colorful floral and bow jewelry of Portugal made great use of this delightful gemstone, sometimes mixing it with chrysoberyl, or aquamarine. Imperial topaz was always a costly gemstone and it was not always easy to find enough gemstones of perfectly matched colors to go together in a jewel. That is why it is common for these antique Iberian jewels to be set with a foil behind it, which would enhance the gems’ appearance and help color-match the stones to create the prettiest effect. For similar late 1700s Georgian foil-back imperial topaz Portuguese jewels, see d'Orey, Leonor, "Five Centuries of Jewellery", permanent exhibition of the National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon, Zwemmer Publishers Limited, 1995, pages 70, 72 and 73. For similar late 1700s Georgian Portuguese jewels, see Dawnes, Ginny Redington and Collings, Olivia, "Georgian Jewellery", ACC Art Books, Suffolk, 2018, pages 108 and 110. For similar late 1700s Georgian foil-back imperial topaz Portuguese jewels, see “Oceanos - Ourivesaria Luso-Brasileira do Ciclo do Ouro e dos Diamantes N.43", Lisbon, Comissão Nacional para as Comemorações dos Descobrimentos Portugueses, 2000, pages 12 and 181. For similar late 1700s Georgian foil-back imperial topaz Portuguese jewels, see de Vasconcelos e Sousa, D. Gonçalo, "Reais Jóias no Norte de Portugal", permanent exhibition of Palácio da Bolsa, Oporto, Artes Gráficas – Lello & Irmão, November 1995, ALGUMAS PEÇAS PRESENTES NA EXPOSIÇÃO section. For similar late 1700s Georgian foil-back imperial topaz Portuguese jewels, see Scarisbrick, Diana, “The S. J. Phillips Collection of Jewels of Portugal”, London, Sotheby’s, S.J.Phillips, 2017, pages 36, 37, 38, 46, 48, 49 and 63. This item is in good condition, with marks and scratches consistent with general age and wear. Antique, period and vintage pieces, both signed and unsigned, are being offered as worn. Unless otherwise stated, all weights and quality factors have been graded as mounting permitted and using classic gemology and standard gemological equipment and might slightly differ from the assessments provided by other gemologists. Assessments related to period of manufacture or geographic origin of gemstones are expert opinions and may differ from the assessments provided by other professionals. Colors in the pictures/videos might slightly differ from the colors in real life. For additional information or clarification, please get in touch and our in-house team of expert GIA Graduate Gemologists and Registered Appraisers/Valuers will be happy to help.

Metal:
Silver
Stone:
Amethyst,Topaz,Imperial Topaz
Stone Cut:
Antique Cushion Cut
Weight:
12.5 g
Dimensions:
Width: 1.58 in (40 mm)Length: 1.89 in (48 mm)
Style:
Georgian
Place of Origin:
Portugal
Period:
1770-1779
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1770
Condition:
Additions or alterations made to the original: Later-added brooch fitting. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Lisbon, PT
Reference Number:
Seller: 604/06E1stDibs: LU2150212375872