Antique Vintage Nouveau 14k Bi Gold Freshwater Pearl Foliate Stick Pin Brooch

Description

We have similar Pearl and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in a separate listing, please visit our store and search "Pearl" or "Nouveau" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1910
Markings:
"585" and unidentified maker's mark (a pictorial anchor) on the back of the brooch, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
1.1 grams
Metal Type:
14k rose gold with a 14k green gold topped accent
Item Weight Value:
.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Freshwater pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
7.2 mm
Width:
2.89 mm
Depth:
1.91 mm
Color:
lustrous white hue
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts:
Off-round and polished pearl
Item Measurements:
Length:
2.26"
Width:
0.52"
Depth
: 0.28"
Pin/Brooch Style:
Brooch, scarf pin, lapel pin, hat pin, tie pin
Closure Type:
Pin stem
Convertible to Pendant:
If desired, your local jeweler can add a bale to this piece so it can be worn as a pendant; this may require removal of the pin stem
Notable Features:
This brooch was handmade during the Art Nouveau era. Composed of 14k rose and green gold, the brooch features a stunning, large freshwater pearl and a foliate design. The use of such a unique natural stone as well as the foliate motif in this piece is an excellent example of the styles of jewelry popular during the Art Nouveau era
, which saw jewelers turning away from the more ornate and elaborate jewelry of the preceding Victorian era and toward designs inspired by the wonder and beauty of nature.
The beautiful freshwater pearl to the brooch would have been hand-harvested before being polished to beautifully display its white hue. The stone's off-round body displays a gorgeous luster as light moves across it. The pearl was set
securely in a rose gold cap setting, the warm hue of the rose gold a lovely contrast to the white hue of the pearl. Adorning the base of the pearl are two berry motifs, while a 14k green gold topped leaf motif also accents the pearl. These two leaves curve in opposite directions around a branch motif in the naturalistic style popular during this time period.
The brooch is completed with a 14k rose gold pin stem, allowing it to be worn as a stick pin on a variety of accessories.
A classic example of the nature-inspired jewelry that was popular during the Art Nouveau era, this pin brooch would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There is one freshwater pearl missing from the brooch, which can be replaced by your local jeweler.. There is light patina on the rose gold in some areas, which does not affect wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.”  This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period.  This era focused on women and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
Freshwater pearls are a special type of pearl that are created by freshwater mussels and have been used in jewelry as far back as Medieval times. The largest source for natural freshwater pearls at that time was the Holarctic Freshwater Pearl Mussel, which was native to Scotland. This species is now endangered, and most freshwater pearls must be cultured. Unlike cultured saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are not bead-nucleated and are therefore typically less round. Instead of using a bead, a small square of mantle tissue is cut from a donor mussel's inner lining and inserted into the lining of the harvesting mussel to instigate pearl formation. The unique harvesting technique makes freshwater pearls purely composed of nacre. These pearls are valued for their whimsical shapes and wide range of colors. The unique character of freshwater pearls is found in their distinctive texture and the warmth of their luster.
Domestic US
: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: .00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
International
: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for free.
We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form.
Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
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If you find yourself not wanting to risk losing this piece during an auction, we will entertain Buy It Now offers. However, we will not accept any offers in the 24 hours prior to an auction ending. Please message us with your best offer, and if accepted, we will add a Buy It Now option to this piece for you.