A Moment In Time - Victorian 9K Gold Almandine Garnet & Natural Pearl Brooch (VICBR019)

A Moment In Time - Victorian 9K Gold Almandine Garnet & Natural Pearl Brooch. This pretty brooch is crafted from 9K yellow gold, hallmarked 9ct (British hallmark for 9K). Featuring one natural round cut almandine garnet, one natural pearl, Victorian/Edwardian era styling, and high quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this brooch combines linear lines with gentle curves. There are two delicate milgrain bezels, one set with a beautiful pinkish/purple almandine garnet, and the other with a lustrous silvery grey pearl. The Brooch has its original pin, which securely locks into place. The lovey Victorian brooch would make a perfect gift for that special someone. 

History: The history of garnet dates back to the Bronze Age, more than 5000 years ago. Its name, which has been used since these ancient times, was derived from the Latin word granatium, which means pomegranate (because the small, red crystals were thought to resemble pomegranate seeds).

Almandine is the oldest Garnet known to man. Ancient Egyptians used Almandine in jewelry as early as 3,500 BCE. Archaeologists discovered Garnet necklaces and talismans from Egyptian tombs and mummies.

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.

1400-1100 B.C. The beginnings of the brooch can be traced back to the Bronze Age, where early iterations took form in simple pins with circular rings. The unassuming ornaments were often used to secure and fasten cloaks and other garments during the winter.

Measurements: Brooch 41.50 mm x 7.00 mm 

Stone Size: Garnet (Almandine) .20 carats    Natural Pearl 2.50 mm 

Weight: Brooch 1.30 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England 

Date: Circa 1890