Posted 8 years ago
freiheit
(1223 items)
I really need some help with this one: I believe it is rather new but I bought it anyway LOL. It was an impulse buy but the reason was that I have never seen one like this before and I like mysteries.
Here is what I think I know: The front might be glass. It looks like the back is either stamped or carved out and then filled in with metallic paint and then maybe covered with enamel.
It is set in a metal frame, gold tone, and I think it might be covered in some king of coating.
There are not marks whatsoever.
Anny comments are welcome.
Thanks for looking:)
It is beautiful - and I have not seen one like it, either. It almost looks like there could be marks on the pin where is connects to the hinge, but that's just me seeing things!
Thanks, Efesgirl. I went right away to check but to my disappointment it is no mark, just some random lines:(
Valentino97, I hope so too. I have not yet seen one like it. It looks a lot better in real life. It's not real but appears well made. The blue is just great!
A nice find! Can't show other examples, but I think it is italian.
Is the enamel vitreous or resin? (Cold when applied to your lip, or plastic taste to the tongue ? )
The hinge of the bale and brooch system seems very well made... I think it is worth having it tested for gold
:-)
Kyratango, many thanks for your comments. I will have a second look at the piece when I get home. Based on the weight of the brooch I think it is glass but I will do what you suggested to find out more. I don't think it is gold :(
So I went and had another look. I still don't know what it is. I am almost sure it is not plastic but it could be coated with some clear finishing. After checking it again, I don't think it is glass anymore because it is too thin. There is a posibility that the base is a thin layer of brass. I still think it is a costume piece, but it seems to be of better quality....
You're right, these enamels were usually on thin copper base, as for Limoges enamels :
http://www.rubylane.com/item/474691-x284X4x29/Victorian-LIMOGES-ENAMEL-PORTRAIT-Enamel-Brooch
This one in the link, though different decor, has same construction and... the gold looks not gold too :-)
Thanks for the info and the link. I agree that the construction is very similar. I think that mine could be a modern costume version of the traditional ones?
I also agree that the gold on Ruby Lane looks more like rolled gold.