A Century of Luck: The Victorian Tiepin's Tale

Evoking fascination and symbolizing enduring fortune, this Victorian tiepin, dating back to circa 1890, is more than an ornament—it's a lucky talisman. Adorned with rose cut diamonds and carre cut rubies, its lucky horseshoe motif whispers tales of luck that have seen it through over a century. In excellent condition and likely of Belgian origin, this 18k red gold and silver piece reflects the intricate design and symbolic depth of its era, continuing to cast a spell of good luck and historical charm.

Antique jewelry object group: tiepin/stickpin

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
  -  See also: Victorian or more info on styles

Period: ca. 1890
  -  (events and facts in 1890)

Source of inspiration: Good luck tokens

Theme: Horseshoe - There is no consensus among historians as to when and by who horseshoes were first invented. What seems most plausible is that shoeing was invented by numerous armorers in different places at about the same time, and then kept as a military secret for a very short time - until the practice was apparently widespread. Fact is that to date they are considered to bring good-luck.

Material: 18k red gold and silver, see also: The silver on gold technique
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Diamonds: 25 rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.

Precious stones: 23 carre cut rubies (lab produced) (also called verneuil ruby). The fact that these stones are lab produced has no influence on the value of this jewel. Natural rubies and lab produced rubies were both used in this era, rather more for their effect than for their intrinsic value.
  -  (more info on precious stones)

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and ruby for July.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: No trace.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: horse shoe 1,77 cm (0,70 inch) x 1,78 cm (0,70 inch), total length 8,10 cm (3,19 inch)

Weight: 3,30 gram (2,12 dwt)

Reference Nº: 14350-0146

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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