Description
This is a fancy filigree late Art Deco Portuguese Gold over 800 Silver three dimensional butterfly estate pin with white enameled highlights. It jutts out from a lapel like an actual butterfly would look if it was sitting on your lapel or other piece of clothing. It is marked 800 and also bears the old Boar’s Head hallmark you be see in the photo. Guaranteed to be solid 800 silver.
These filigree pins were popular during the 1940s and 1950s. They have been culturally important art jewelry in Portugal for hundreds of years. It still has its original pinback clasp with side supports that are hand welded to the pin. Size of this pin is just about 1 1/2″ long north to south from the top of the antennae to the bottom of the wing by 1 1/2″ wide across the top wing span east to west. Height/depth is 5/8″ from front side wing edge to back clasp.
Condition is excellent, gently used. There is some light age wear to the gold, what you would expect to find. Minor wear. The gold is still 98% intact. All filigree is intact. No breaks. No dents or dings to this pin. Nor are there any tears or deep scratches. Completely original having no alterations or repair of any kind. Hence, given the age, crafting and condition, this is a lovely Vintage Portuguese 800 Silver Enameled Gold Filigree Butterfly Pin estate find for your antique and vintage jewelry collection.
About Portuguese Jewelry:
Folk dress of Portuguese woman decorated with jewelry has been always highly valued because of its superior quality and a special technique of making ornaments – filigree. The oldest objects found on the territory of modern Portugal, made in filigree, dated 2500-2000 BC. It should also be noted that the Portuguese gold has the highest purity in Europe – 19.2 carats (80% purity). Forms and design of jewelry are closely associated with the history and religion. For example, the famous heart of Viana (coração de Viana), the form of which is observed in present day traditional earrings is one of the oldest symbols of Portugal.
About Portuguese Filigree:
Filigree – an ancient art technique of processing metal, very typical of the Portuguese jewellery. Openwork pattern of thin gold or silver thread. Technology is not unique to the Portuguese, its exact origin is unknown, but the oldest articles have been found in what is now Portugal, made in filigree, dated 2500-2000 BC. Portuguese filigree is the artistic heritage of the Portuguese jewelry craftsmanship. Each product is made in this technique – a little unique work of art.
