Rare & Stunning Hallmarked Silver and Saphiret Antique Brooch

Description: Saphiret is so popular and you can see why here. This thing positively glows! Its the nicest piece of saphiret we've seen plus its set in hallmarked silver which is rare to see...so if you like the best! As a material it does have something of a mythical vibe, not least because no one knows how to make it now! It stopped being produced in (we think) the early 20th century because the manufacturing methods basically killed the people who were making it (or did we imagine this!?). Gold and mercury were used if memory serves us right!  

The cabochons have a kind of brick red background colour and then there is a bright blue glow. On top of that, under some artificial light unusually there is also a big flash of green in there. Whoever sees it will be compelled to ask "ooh, what the heck is that!"

Age: c1890 Late Victorian. We've not looked up Chester hallmark date letter - please ask

Size and weight: 5.1g. 3.7cm x 1.5cm. 

Materials: Silver (hallmarked), saphiret glass. 

Condition: Very good, one of the teardrop cabochons is very slightly nibbled under the claw on the fat end. The same stone is showing a little shadow which could just be a bit of dirt under the stone which could possibly be removed. We generally let sleeping dogs lie! The glass has a slightly matt finish which we think is intentional but its possible it started out smooth and shiny and has collected this patina. 

Layaway – A deposit secures any item. Please ask if you’d like to pay over time (or consider using Klarna at checkout).

Have items to sell or exchange? – We buy pretty much all jewellery and can take scrap or broken gold as payment (we match any genuine price available anywhere, no ifs or buts) and if you have antique or interesting pieces we will always do our best to buy.

Questions? - Please check out our “useful information” tab – the answers to most questions are there. If in doubt, ask away and we’ll endeavour to get back to you within a couple of hours.