Description
A delightful power-packed piece of Arts and Crafts design fully signed by Sibyl Dunlop and definitely one of the most beautiful brooch designs I have come across by Dunlop. This makes such an impact- the combination of the silver gilt with all of those faceted rock crystals – wow! As we all know, it is very easy to wear brooches as pendants, therefore, wearable in two ways.
This is a quality, dense piece of design by one of the best. It feels squat and heavy in the hand and not surprising, such a solid structure and those fabulous rock crystals. It is typical Dunlop design- different shaped faceted stones are juxtaposed and yet, harmonious in their positioning and overall aesthetic. A large diamond-shaped stone sits at the centre, with round cut and square cut stones alternating in its halo. The long hand-tooled leaves are gilded, like other designs by Dunlop. The 8 large round silver balls set around the central stone are again, typical of Dunlop’s design.
A fabulous piece of Arts and Crafts history, fully stamped as “SD” with full London hallmarks. There were a number of these beauties-particularly with silver gilding, created in the 60s and this one is stamped for 1963. I think it likely she is a unique piece.
I have to say, she is in excellent order….gilding is fresh-looking (I have not cleaned it at all so feel free to do so if you prefer) and the stones are all in super condition. I inspected very, very closely as I thought there may have been a shaving off the central stone at one of the corners- not the case. It is just the shape of the stone and the setting. Only thing I spotted under the loupe was a teeny tiny dot on one facet edge of a small rock crystal cab. Not at all visible with the naked eye and in fact, you would probably struggle to find it with a loupe too! In excellent order.
The brooch measures approx 3.8cm by 3.1cm. Fully signed and a joy to hold. I will send by Tracked and Signed post in a new gift box as the boxes in the images are for display only – thank you!
