Historic Craftsmanship: 19th Century Granulation Gold Brooch

This ca. 1890 Victorian bar brooch, in 18K yellow gold, is a magnificent example of 19th-century granulation, a technique that became fashionable as part of the era's fascination with reviving ancient jewelry-making methods. Its intricate granules, a symbol of skilled artisanship, reflect a time when such craftsmanship was revered as a link to the grandeur of the past, making this piece not only a jewel but a piece of history.

Antique jewelry object group
Historic Craftsmanship: 19th Century Granulation Gold Brooch

Condition
very good 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 French 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
more info on styles

Style specifics
The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837 - 1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period.

This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period.

Period
ca. 1890
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Material
18K yellow gold (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Technique
Granulation is a technique where the goldsmith uses very small balls (granules) of metal, which are not soldered to the piece but welded. This technique demand very high skills and precision from the maker.

Hallmarks
partly illegible remains of a French master mark "S.P" (?)
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
width 4,06 cm (1,60 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
2,80 gram (1,80 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
23075-0001

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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