-Portuguese Iberian 1850 Filigree Brooch In 21Kt Yellow Gold With Seed Pearls

Magnificent Portuguese Iberian Brooch. 

Beautiful and very unusual antique Iberian brooch, created in Portugal during the Victorian era, back in the 1850 or most probably earlier. It was crafted with the difficult filigree technique in solid yellow gold of 15, 18 and 21 karats and embellished with multiples white seed pearls. The delicate natural seed pearls cover the entire surface of this brooch, forming a fine "pavé" setting. Each pearl has a soft, creamy color and shimmery natural luster. The pearls are each carefully hand strung on fine gold thread, which is woven to create a mesh pattern. Many additional larger seed pearls decorate the round parts above. It is fitted at the reverse with a hinged pin bar and a hook to wear as a brooch. This can be easily converted into a pendant.

Note: We are offering in our other listings, the dangle drops earrings en-suite matching this brooch.

Filigree

The word "filigree" comes from the Latin words "filum," meaning "thread," and "granum," meaning "grain." Filigree jewelry has been made for centuries, and its history can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Filigree is a technique, which entails working with wires of fine silver or gold, twisting and plaiting them into a rope. While some artisans would leave the rope and its wires in their cylindrical shape, others prefer to flatten them after twisting by using a rolling mill. Portuguese filigree is an art that continues to have a very manual production, which requires extreme expertise on the part of the artisan to work the very fine interlaced and welded gold or silver threads that make up each piece. It is, therefore, internationally recognized for its quality. In Portugal, artisans have used and continue to use filigree as a form of artistic expression in traditional jewelry, but also of Portuguese culture through its designs in the form of flowers, waves or fish scales.

Seed Pearls 

Seed pearl is so named because of its size – usually less than 2 millimeters in diameter. These are natural pearls and can vary quite a bit in color, from milky white to an elegant gray. Their imperfect nature is part of their charm, making each piece they adorn a unique treasure. They were very popular during the Victorian period as accents set into gold jewelry or woven into long fringed necklaces. Seed pearls were popularized during the Victorian era as a means to accent more elaborate pieces of gold jewelry or long fringed necklaces. From the last quarter of the 18th century up to the first quarter of the 19th century, during the Georgian and Victorian eras, they was a great demand for seed pearls for adornment.

Pearls: Mounted in filigree woven wires as a pavé, with natural white seed pearls. Each one about 1 mm.

Birthstone: Pearls for the month of June.

Weight: 10.20 Grams, (6.54 Dwt).

Measurements: 64 mm by 35 mm (2.52 x 1.38 Inches).

Hallmarks: Unmarked. The gold was electronically tested for 21Kt (.916/.999 Au).

Collateral: This piece is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this brooch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The pearls are secured in the settings. This brooch has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: P031024XINM/.2994