Birks - Vintage Sterling Silver Engraved Brooch (VBR242)

Birks - Vintage Sterling Silver Engraved Brooch. This lovely brooch is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked STERLING B for Birks. The brooch features exquisite engravings, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This pretty brooch is oval in shape, with a polished finish and exquisite floral and foliage engravings. The back is polished, and fitted with a pin, and rotary closure, in perfect working order.  The wonderful brooch wold made a perfect addition to any vintage jewelry collection.

History: The story of Bijoux Birks began four centuries ago, when the Birks family were master silversmiths in Sheffield, England. Though the brand’s roots lie deep in English craftsmanship, it truly came to life when Henry Birks opened a boutique in the heart of Montreal in 1879. His lifelong dream became a reality and grew into a magnificent fine jewellery legacy that is still thriving today. Inspired by a land with astounding natural beauty and unique joie de vivre, Birks became a treasured part of Canadian heritage. With incomparable quality and fine craftsmanship, Birks acquired a lasting place in the hearts of Canadians and is now an iconic Canadian brand that is cherished and distributed internationally. Birks is known to be the number 1 fine jewelry store in Canada. 

After the Company’s foundation by Henry Birks in Montreal in 1879, the next 125 years saw Birks grow from a small storefront to an iconic heritage brand, representing a legacy of Canadian luxury. Birks was purveyor to Kings and Queens, and designed jewellery for the likes of Princess Grace of Monaco and Princess Margaret. But that was only the beginning. 

Silver was first found in large amounts around 5000 BC, when prehistoric people dug the first copper mines. ... Large-scale silver mining had developed in Anatolia by 3000 BC. This was to meet the demand from the first ancient city states, which used the metal as a common medium of exchange.

The sterling alloy originated in continental Europe and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany. A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx until it was deposited at the Royal Mint in 1843.

Measurements: Brooch 32.00 mm x 25.50 mm 

Weight: 4.90 grams

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Canada   Note: Made by Burhardt Jewellers LTD of Toronto for Birks. 

Date: Circa 1950