Description
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE. GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC AND AS DESCRIBED OR YOUR MONEY BACK! Today we are pleased to offer for sale an incredible Victorian Gutta Percha combination brooch/pendant. This piece features a stylized lock or bow, in an oval form, decorated only with a band of engraved gold. Gutta Percha is made from the resin of the Palaquium gutta plant of South East Asia. The sap of these trees is a natural latex that is malleable, durable and dark brown to matte black in color that becomes rigid. Jewelry made from gutta percha is not carved but molded, which often results in discernible mold lines, especially when examined through a jeweler’s loupe. It was first used in making jewelry during the 1840s as an inexpensive substitute for jet. We believe this piece dates to the mid 1800s, and was possibly a piece of mourning jewelry, as indicated by its color and simplicity. The brooch has a tube hinge and C clasp, with the pin extending beyond the edge of the brooch, as well as a loop for hanging as a necklace. The brooch is unmarked. Brooch presents beautifully and is in very good antique, pre-owned condition, with very minimal wear and patina. The gold band is shiny and bright; there are no chips or breaks in the pin; pin back is secure. This is a hard to find piece — a great addition to a Victorian or Mourning Jewelry collection. Fresh to the market from a Massachusetts estate! Measures 2-1/8″ wide; 1″ height 5107C/25/N/R
