Description
Antique Victorian 14K Gold 20 Blackamoor Garnet Pin
This is an incredible, impressive antique Victorian pin in solid 14K yellow gold with 20 teeny tiny miniature handmade Blackamoors and 7 Natural Bohemian Pyrope Oval Garnet stones. The back is marked 14K. It is also jeweler tested, (see photo of back with jeweler deep file marks that show it is gold through and through) and Guaranteed to be solid 14K gold. Not plated or filled.
Gemstones:
The gemstones are beautiful early natural Bohemian pyrope garnets with deep sparkly Port Wine color. All are bezel set with open backs. All are well matched in size and color. Each is just under 5mm long by 4mm wide. Total carat weight is approximately 1.75 carats.
Size:
2 1/16″ long East to West by 3/4″ tall, wide across North to South. Weight is 10.5 grams.
As was common with many special Victorian brooches, this pin was upgraded to a more secure Edwardian locking clasp at the turn of the century. There are a couple of tiny silver solder drops on the back that are very, very old from the clasp upgrade which could likely be jeweler polished out but not necessary. Pin clasp is strong and secure. It opens and closes with ease and locks securely in place.
Condition:
The Blackamoors at the very end have age wear to their crowns which is not eye visible as the Blackamoors are so tiny. Other than this, they are excellent. All of the black enameling and gold facial features are excellent. You can see they are all hand done as the features have minor variations. This piece was very complex and labor intensive to make. It is highly detailed and most details are only visible with a loupe. Overall antique condition is excellent. There are no dents or dings to the gold. No repair or damage. All of the stones are excellent as well. The garnets are free of cracks, chips, flakes, breaks, abrasions.
This is an absolutely stunning example of fine, early, Blackamoor jewelry for your antique Victorian gold collection. It is a very rare, intricately made, thick, substantial and well made piece of 14K gold Victorian jewelry.
