ANtique Ruby Brooch 13cts 1880 period piece Rare beauty

This antique ( 1880) genuine ruby brooch holds 17 hand cleaved rubies that are each about 3-4mm. Hand set into elegant raised vine like metal work these beauties sparkles with a hint of pinkish lavender.

 This fabulous antique brooch has not been in the public eye until now. It was a family heirloom that eventually went for sale years ago and we purchased it and never offered it for sale or viewing. If you try and find a single antique ruby brooch you might find one or two, but to find one with this many rubies is beyond a treasure! 

Set in a large diamond shape this brooch measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/4" ( see photo next to a ruler) and is 1/2" thick. The gilt has richened to a golden hue that brings out the colors in this exotic antique piece. The C clasp as well as the hinge work great.

 You find hand cleaved gemstones in old pieces because before the days of modern diamond saws a cutter first "cleaved" the rough stone into smaller stones that would be closer to the approximate final shape that was desired. This was accomplished by striking the stone at its weakest point of cleavage, with a chisel and mallet . Due to its octahedral (cubic) crystalline structure a gemstone can be cleaved in four directions.

Rubies (king of precious stones)  are  the one of the most exotic and sought after gemstones During the Bagan dynasty, nearly 1000 years ago, rubies were worn by the Burmese royalty. When European explorers discovered Burma they brought the gemstones back where they were sought after by the aristocracy and the well-to-do. This brooch is not solid gold but is hand wrought as are the rubies. 

 The lighter hue ( as in this brooch)  are considered as "female" stones. All varieties served to preserve the bodily and mental health of the wearer, for they removed evil thoughts, controlled amorous desires, dissipated pestilential vapors, and reconciled disputes.  The last photo shows a raw uncut ruby which is close to the color of these. 

This is one rare beauty and I hope it makes it to a home where it will be as loved as it was here. It is truly a rare and fabulous piece of European history!

VintageSparkles offers Layaway on all our Etsy pieces regardless of which site it comes from.All layaway payments will need to be in the form of a check or money order only.  Please remember that vintage & antique items are not mint, nor are they perfect but they sure are full of old history and charm. Please use photos to make your decisions and read our policies prior to buying so you can have an excellent experience with us. 

Please use this number when ordering  bjj6054.

If you want to see more of these pretties this is the link to my etsy store.

http://www.vintagesparkles.etsy.com/