Posted 11 years ago
Martyp
(2 items)
I found this large nearly 3 " (2 3/4 or so) Vermeil Lizard Brooch or Broach at an Estate Sale. It has a prong set 1" teardrop shaped Garnet and is marked " sterling " on the inside upper tail on the back. It does show some surface wear on the gold covered sterling. The stone, surprisingly, has only 3 tiny hard to see without a 10 x magnifier, nicks toward the outside edge on top of the stone and one maybe 1/16" scratch on a side of a top facet. Anyone with information is greatly, greatly appreciated. I figured Victorian Era. Also, along the uppermost curve of the neck to the eye are 3 clear or non colored rhinestones, with openings where 4 more stones are missing and 3 a bit larger holes and then ends with a small hole where stone is missing. I do not think they are prong setting holes really as the part which comes up around the stones are not prongs, more ornamental. The brooch has a Safety Catch that is intact and strong. A nice member reminded me to show the back. Is anyone familiar enough to give a good opinion on the stone or age? ALSO, please note, if anyone has opinion on what the stone is, as some garnets I see are more reddish, this looks somewhat reddish purple, maybe an amethyst? Any ideas on value are greatly appreciated!! THANKS I am very honest in description. Thanks for any help! Marcie new to this site
pics of the backside would be helpful -- what is the pin closure like - hope you are enjoying your day -- lovely piece by the way
Deffinitely not Victorian. They didn't just use garnets then. The style and fact that its vermeil suggest 1940's, they used sterling then because base metals were being used in the war. Theres really nothing that would suggest Victorian here, its night and day.
Okay, thanks, any idea of date? I didn't think snake or lizards were used much before the forties I guess, but your comments are appreciated.
i agree -- not of victorian era -- way too modern on pin clip -- reminds me more of a dragon than snake or lizard but if snake -- i would say a viper -- however the vics did love their snakes but rarely chisel nosed vipers they seemed to prefer the more rounded heads of the cobras -- in regards to the stone -- i would say garnet -- definitely not amethyst --
now i have another question for you -- is that writing i see on the pin clip in pic 1