Large Commemorative Gold Brooch with Pearls, Great Britain 1854

Two hearts glow golden against a deep blue background. A row of shimmering oriental pearls frames the blue oval before a wide gold frame with elegant engravings and wide, fluttering ribbons finish off the large brooch on the outside. The impressive, large work originates from Great Britain. Its original function is already revealed on the front. The two hearts are connected with a love knot, the ribbons on the edge are also a symbol of love, and the pearls were also associated with love in the 19th century. But who loves whom here? The reverse provides the answer. A long dedication engraving can be found here. "Her children arise up and call her blessed." Prov. XXXI, v.28 / To Margaret, the Wife of Robert Paterson, of Nunfield. From her Nine surviving Children, Elisabeth, Margaret, Mary, William, Thomas Sampson, Robert,, Martha Jane, Agnes & Isabella. January 1854." Nine surviving children. This number alone was probably reason enough to call the mother "blessed". The brooch is typical of the mid-19th century in terms of its design and decoration. The blue glass reflects the fashion for deep blue, "royal blue" enameled pieces of jewellery that had been popular at the royal court since the late 18th century. In the 19th century, the enamel was then often replaced by glass, so-called "Vauxhall glass", which was either, as here, placed on a silver foil to achieve a particularly deep light effect, or was embossed on the reverse for the same purpose. We discovered the brooch in London. It is in very good condition.

Estimate:£4,230.16

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