Description
A very lovely c1920s hand-crafted Arts and Crafts brooch, which is firmly attributed to George Hunt, Birmingham School. It is an attractive design with a large rectangular chrysoprase stone set vertically in the centre. A typical Hunt finish at the base of the setting looks like rows of small silver balls. An aesthetically pleasing brooch.
Then there is the framework section, done in an openwork foliate design with stalks and curling tendrils. A pair of those lovely leaves sit near the top of the “frame” on either side. There are four small round green stones which test as nephrite jade but could be aventurine (very similar), one in each corner of the rectangle and each with its own rope work detailing at the base of the setting.
I have seen this kind of design by Hunt before, with both enamelled and non-enamelled leaves. If you turn over to the verso, you can observe the careful work of the craftsman. It is neat and tidy. There is some patina you may wish to polish away if you prefer your silver like new.
No stamps, as there is little silver to stamp, if you look at the design. A pleasing and well-executed piece of work in excellent condition. Nothing to see with the naked eye. On scrutiny with a high magnification loupe, there is a teeny nibble to an edge on two of the small jade cabs but miniscule-mentioned for accuracy only. There is a broad horizontal stripe of darker shade in the middle on the verso-natural or inclusion or unpolished stone, I am not sure. You do not see it hen the brooch is worn….only when held up to the light.
This beautiful brooch measures approx 3cm by 3cm. Retains its antique silver safety chain. I will send in a new gift box by complimentary tracked and signed post. Boxes in the images are for display only.
