Antique Georgian Foil Backed Red Paste Pinchbeck ‘Diadem’ Brooch Circa 1800
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Fabulous and quite literally stunning Georgian red paste (glass) large brooch dating the late 1700’s to the very early 1800’s.
Fashioned in the style of a ‘Diadem’ and looking very much like a mini crown, and set with the best red paste we have seen.
The seven large pastes and nine smaller pastes are set in traditional Georgian era cut down collet settings, and set in pinchbeck which is the colour of high carat bright and lush gold.
With the original C clasp and pin to the verso we imagine this wonderful piece was not only worn as a brooch but also could well have been secured to a Georgian lady’s ’up do’ and worn of course as a Diadem.
This is a dream piece… the pastes are in extraordinary condition with no chips or damage and the foil backs also which give an amazing shimmer and depth of glow to the deep red vibrant pastes.
Wear her as a brooch, pop her on a wide velvet ribbon or even better find an excuse to wear her as a Diadem in your hair!
STONES
STONES
Paste
ERA
Georgian 1714-1837
MEASUREMENTS
6.3cm x 4.2cm
Pastes 1.3cm x 1.0cm - 0.6cm x 0.6cm
WEIGHT
17.6 Grams
MARKS
None
CONDITION
Remarkably good condition for its 220 years of age.
Foil backs and pastes and in very good to excellent antique condition with no chips or significant marks. Pinchbeck is very good to verso with only two small areas of losses ( see photos ). C clasp and pin are original. No solder repairs anywhere.
History of Paste Jewellery
History of Paste Jewellery
Paste jewellery dates to 18th century France and is attributed to Georges Frederic Stras who began hand crafting paste jewellery in 1724.
Georges was appointed as ‘Jeweller to the King’ (King Louis XV) and the popularity soured.
Paste jewellery adorned the wealthy along side their ‘real’ jewellery and was quite often preferred by the elite as in many cases the ‘paste’ looked and sparkled better than the real thing!
Labour intensive as every paste had to be expertly cut and hand polished by hand and came in a variety of colours that couldn’t be replicated by nature.
