Harlequin - Vintage Gold Plated Crystal Rhinestone Jeweled Brooch (VBR192)

Harlequin - Vintage Gold Plated Crystal Rhinestone Jeweled Brooch. This gorgeous brooch is crafted from gold plate over metal . Featuring marquise faceted crystal rhinestones, a pear shaped faceted crystal rhinestone, and round cut faceted crystal rhinestones, Victorian revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. This brooch has an elegant shape, which is adorned by jeweled toned crystals throughout the brooch. The pin on the back is in perfect working order, and has a secure catch lock mechanism.  The vintage brooch will add add elegance and touch of class to any outfit...so sumptuous!

History: Centuries ago, quartz pebbles with high lead content were found sparkling on the banks of Europe's Rhine River. These beautiful; , natural stones were highly coveted and were eventually depleted, inspiring jewelers to create an emotion , aptly names the "rhinestone". 

Rhinestones which are also known as diamantes or paste date back as far as the thirteenth century where they were first made from Czechoslovakian or Bohemian hand blown glass.

Joseph Strasser could be credited with the precursor to our present-day Rhinestone, but it was really when Georg Freidrich Strass in 1760 invented the first ever rhinestone (artificial gemstone) from a special type of crystal found in the Rhine River that the stones we know today were born.

The style of jewelry featuring a riot of hues is called harlequin, meaning multicolored. It takes its moniker from the character, Harlequin, in cooed dell'arte who wore a brightly colored and widely patterned costume. 

The first known gold plating occurred in northern Peru, where Pred -Columbian smiths gilded and silvered copper pieces by electrochemical replacement techniques. During excavations in the late 1980s, archeologists discovered gold and silver ornamental and ceremonial artifacts dating all the way back to AD 50-300. 

Measurements: Brooch 60.00 mm x 36.00 mm 

Stone Size: Crystal 15.00 mm - 3.00 mm 

Weight: 20.60 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1950