Starburst - Victorian 14K Gold Natural Pearl Star Stick Pin Brooch (VICBR035)

Starburst - Victorian 14K Gold Natural Pearl Star stick Pin Brooch.  This exquisite stick pin is hand crafted from 14K yellow gold, hallmarked 14 on the back of the star. The pin features 15 natural seed pearls. Victorian era styling, and quality hand-craftsmanship.  This lovely stick pin is made in the form of a starburst, which is adorned by lustrous white pearls, displaying silvery overtones.  The star and the pin is 14K solid gold, whilst the cap at the bottom is gold plate. The secure cap end fits well, and is in perfect working order. This charming Victorian era stick Pin can be worn on a lapel, scarf, hat or your favorite item of clothing.  Truly a pretty antique piece to be enjoyed and cherished for many years to come. 

History: Pins have been found at archaeological sites dating as early as the Paleolithic, made of bone and thorn, and at Neolithic, Celtic and Ancient Roman sites. Neolithic sites are rich in wooden pins, and are still common through Elizabethan times.

Made up of a long pin and a decorative head, stick pins were commonly worn by men from around 1830 to 1920. Unlike many fashion items, stick pins had a practical purpose: holding a gentleman's cravat in place. It's worth noting that stick pins were not necessarily created in 1830, however.

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

Measurements: 60.00 mm x 12.00 mm 

Stone Size: Natural Pearl 1.50 mm - 1.00 mm 

Weight: 3.10 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England 

Date: Circa 1890