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This is a pretty example of Italian filigree work – a light and lacy vintage butterfly brooch in 800 purity silver (a common Italian silver standard) with crisp silver wires and contrasting vermeil on the body and wing tips. There is also a slight wash of pink on the centre and lower wing segments. It has a “corkscrew” textured body, ball-tipped antenna and lots of dimension with the top wings set well above the lower.
Although it looks quite fragile, it is actually quite thick and rigid (see side view below). The back of the brooch is entirely vermeil, fitted with a secure rollover safety clasp. From the style and marks, it dates to the 1950s or early 1960s.
Size: 3 cm wide x 1.8 cm high x (1.2″ x 0.7″)
Marks: “800” for the Italian silver standard of 800/1000, with an indistinct maker’s/city mark.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition.
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