Antique Vintage Nouveau 14k Gold Old European Paste Enamel Tie Pin Brooch 1.6g popular

We have similar Paste and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Paste" or "Nouveau" under our items.

Listing description by: Angela A.

The Piece

Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed

Main stone: Old European cut paste

Main stone measurements/color:
-Diameter: 6.43 mm
-Color: translucent, colorless hue

Accent stone: --

Accent stone measurements/color: --

Stone treatment: Paste is a manufactured stone. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.

Stone cuts: Old European cut

Item measurements:
-Length: 0.67" (including coil)
-Width: 0.35"

Notable features:
-handmade during the Art Nouveau era
-composed of 14k rose gold
-the pin brooch features a single paste stones with a sparkling Old European cut
-the paste rests in elegant double prong settings
-the space between the prongs are adorned with black enamel
-completed with a coil clasp, allowing the piece to be worn on various fabrics including lapels, ties, and collars

Damage: Age appropriate wear. A gentle cleaning can remove the minor amount of dirt on the paste stone. There is also minor wear to the enamel in some areas, but this is not immediately noticeable when worn. The price has been reduced to reflect this.

*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*


The History

The Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.? This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period. This era focused on women and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.

French jeweler Georges Frédéric Strass created “paste” as an alternative to diamonds during popular the Georgian era. Leaded glass was cut and polished with a metallic powder until it shimmered brightly like a diamond in the light. These white “diamante” or “strass” stones were wildly popular with the glamorous Parisians, and eventually paste stones were colored to mimic other precious gemstones.

The successor to the old mine and rose cuts of the preceding centuries, the old European cut refers to stones cut during the late 19th century and early 20th century in European cutting houses. The 1870s saw the rise of mechanical stone cutting devices, which gave jewelers more control when cutting stones, resulting in rounder, symmetrical stones that could be cut more quickly than in the past. Old European cut stones are notable for their octagonal table facets, high crowns, and consistent symmetry. Occasionally, old European cut may also refer to any round brilliant cut stone that came before the creation of the Standard Round Brilliant cut, regardless of lack of symmetry. Antique old European cut stones are a rare find in the 21st century, as most stones were re-cut into more modern shapes, making these stones highly sought after by collectors and incredibly valuable.

Enameling originally dates all the way back to the ancient Persians of Meenakari. The technique involves bonding powdered glass to a base, usually gold, by firing (heating and melting the glass onto the metal). The glass hardens to form a layer of pigment over the metal. Enamel is made of colored powdered glass or may include clear powdered glass that is mixed with colorful metallic pigments. It was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Celts; and later the Chinese and Georgians. It resurged in popularity in the 20th century. It is primarily used on decorative art or jewelry, usually small in size. Besides jewelry, enamel can also be applied to glass, ceramic, stone, and various other materials.



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