Description
Arthur and Georgie Gaskin were the power couple of the British Arts and Crafts movement in the early years of the twentieth century. They were considered the leading British jewellers of the era and their wonderful pieces are exhibited all over the world in top museums and galleries, from the UK, to the US to Australia. Arthur Gaskin was Head Master at the Vittoria School in Birmingham, whilst Georgie made most of the jewellery herself. They had a studio on the outskirts of Birmingham, where they invited talented pupils of the school to come and help make their jewellery-Bernard Instone was one such name.
This is such a beautiful example of the brilliantly potent design and skilful execution of their work. Dense floral and foliate motifs taking hours upon hours to create. Add to that that it is a signed piece, well…its’ a beauty. This lovely brooch features a large domed emerald at the centre of the design. With the other gemstones being pink, blue and white…it is a light and joyful brooch as you can see, which those colours heighten even further. The combination of those four pink gemstones around the central green emerald is one of my favourite mixes of colour. The pink stones are a mixture of pink tourmalines and pink topaz. There are two tiny blue gemstones; one being aquamarine and the other sapphire. There are also 4 tiny seed peals set into the design.
I love the precise and tiny detailing of the Gaskins’ work and you can see that so evidently on this brooch, with the tiny flower details and the way even the tiny seed pearls have been bezel set with the rope work detailing at their base. Immaculate work.
Signed clearly with the “G” mark to the verso and retaining its original pin and double silver C clasp. The stones are in very good condition too. One of the tiny blue stones settings has split but only part of it and the stone is secure. Pleasing condition for her age thankfully. Some patina so it would clean further for a brighter, shinier display. Don’t use liquid however, as the large emerald and most of the other gems are closed-back and you would not want to damage them. Just run a cloth over it…much better.
I shall send in a new gift box by Special Delivery within the UK or else by express courier internationally. Boxes in the images are not included. Thank you.
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