Description
A beautiful c1900 Arts and Crafts brooch, in the most lovely foliate design. It was made in Birmingham, and I have seen one identical brooch to this (although with pearl instead of amethyst) and it came up for auction years ago, being stamped with “DAWN Reg’d” on the verso. It is widely believed these pieces were created by a silversmith in Birmingham for Liberty & Co of London.
It is also rather reminiscent of a hammered silver Murrle Bennett piece, although the rope work detailing at the foot of the stone’s setting leads you to focus more on English design. I adore everything about this fabulous brooch – it sits beautifully in your hand, is a good size and weight and the details are just perfect.
Four sets of leaves and central berry are set around the perimeter of the brooch. The leaves are shaped so simply with a single ridge down the centre. There is also a lovely, folded over paper effect with the corners of the square sections between them. Such a lovely detail, indicative of a quality maker.
With the large, incredibly sparkly faceted amethyst sitting at the centre…it just sings!
In excellent condition, including original pin and C clasp. It measures 3.5cm in diameter.
