14k pietra dura brooch maker's mark? Antique Jewelry Jewelry Gemstone Insiders Guide

14k pietra dura brooch maker's mark?

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6:11 pm
December 19, 2007

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I am going to sell an excellent 14k pietra dura brooch which has a 14k hallmark. It has a mark above it which is very hard to see but it seems to be a stylized "81" or something. Do you think this might be the date of manufacture? Also, the stonework on this brooch is so good it must be either recent or one of the best available. I have read that the clasps can be used to judge the age and this does have a spherical clasp that is supposed to be Edwardian at best. I have read too that clasps can have been replaced and this one might have been considering that it has a safety hook for a chain that is currently missing. I presume the more modern clasps did away with the safety hook? Thanks.

10:41 pm
December 19, 2007

Ann-Elizabeth

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Hello Makalvy – Ann here.

The first thing we would like is a photo. If it it hosted somewhere online a simple link to the image would give us all a chance to see the details – especially on the back.

You didn't mention just what the background stonework was – or the inlay, so a photo is really a must.

It would be also helpful to know where you live and where and how you came to own this item.

The 14k mark should be clear (have you had it tested or appraised? While the '81' could mean anything as you didn't say if it was stamped or added later?

The clasp sounds like a 'slide' from your description.

Good luck with the sale…

HTH

Because it doesn't have to be Gold to be Valuable

7:34 am
December 20, 2007

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I hope this link works for you – I'm putting my web skills to the test here!

Click here for the pics.

The 14k stamp is very clear and is on the inside edge of the piece near the clasp and below it. The 81 or BI perhaps is seemingly freehand or not a stamp and is rather stylized. It is under the 14k so it is very hard to see much less photograph.

The work is done on obsidian, so I'm supposing that it may have been done during the Victorian mourning period. I'm just not sure if such a dating can be substantiated by all the evidence.

Thanks for your input about the clasp.

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