Purple & White Gemstone Brooch Set with Ear Clips
You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item
When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.
- Paste / Rhinestone / Diamante - Paste (or rhinestone or diamante) is the name given to a coloured glass composition used for imitation gemstones, or to imitation gemstones made of glass.
Although the technique of glassmaking had been known for thousands of years, but it wasn't until a lead glass with similar optical properties to diamonds were invented by a German jeweller working in Paris (either "Stras" or 'Strasser") in the early 18th century that "paste" gemstones became popular.
There was no social stigma attached to wearing imitation stones, and they were worn in situations where highway robbery was a possibility. The 18th century settings were of very high quality, equivilent to real gemstone jewellery.
In the nineteeth century the quality of paste jewellery declined and it has remained the poor cousin to genuine gemstones ever since.
This item has been included into following indexes:
Visually similar items
Antique Burmese teak Actors chest with interior prayer shrine, height 48, length 75 cm, depth 36 cm
A green Buddha with one hand holding a lotus flower and the other outstretched. Provenance: Purchased 1897-99 in (Tibet) then part of China and is sold on behalf the purchaser's great grandson. Minor restoration, 39 cm high
Textured brooch 18ct yellow gold textured triangular brooch with three central diamonds, stamped 'RL 750' total weight of 10.4 grams
Bowie knife shaped blade stamped 'Siberian Skinner' by Ern Germany on wooden handle