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This is a lovely antique Arts and Crafts movement brooch of sterling silver and moss agate, dating to about 1905. It an American brooch, reminiscent of Edward Everett Oakes and Frank Gardner Hale.
The sterling silver setting is an open-diamond shape finished with a swirl of wire and a leaf at each end. The agate is a medium green and resembles seaweed suspended in a translucent yellow-cream. There is a brown-coloured streak on the left of the stone which is a natural “fault” creating a slightly pitted area where it meets the surface. It is fitted with a very early lever safety clasp (patented 1901) – essentially a c-clasp with a slot cut into it, in which a hook slides up and down.
Dimensions
5.5 cm wide by 1.2 cm high (2.25″ by 0.5″)
Marks
There are no maker’s or other marks, not unusual for jewellery of this time. (Guaranteed sterling silver).
Condition
This brooch is in very good antique condition.
As mentioned above, the agate has some pitting and dark areas that are natural flaws in the agate, not damage. There is a join line at the top-centre of the setting, probably a finishing oversight. The pin is straight and sharp and stays securely in the clasp.
Sold
