Edwardian ruby & diamond trefoil brooch set in silver mounted on rose gold. Approx setting size 0.55 in. x 0.55 in. 4x rubies& 1x paste replacement, 21x small old mine & rose cut diamonds, item weight 5.2 grams, tests as 14ct, set in silver mounted on rose gold. Approx setting size 0.55 in. x 0.55 in. x 0.55 in. x 0.55 in. 4x rubies& 1x paste replacement, 21x small old mine & rose cut diamonds, item weight 5.2 grams, tests as 14ct
- Rose Cut - A flat based cut for a preious stone, leaving the surface covered with triangular facets, usually 24 in total.
It was introduced in the 15th century and popular during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The rose cut was the most popular form of diamond cut until the discovery of the brilliant cut at the end of the 17th century, after which its use declined.
- Paste / Rhinestone / Diamante - Paste (or rhinestone or diamante) is the name given to a coloured glass composition used for imitation gemstones, or to imitation gemstones made of glass.
Although the technique of glassmaking had been known for thousands of years, but it wasn't until a lead glass with similar optical properties to diamonds were invented by a German jeweller working in Paris (either "Stras" or 'Strasser") in the early 18th century that "paste" gemstones became popular.
There was no social stigma attached to wearing imitation stones, and they were worn in situations where highway robbery was a possibility. The 18th century settings were of very high quality, equivilent to real gemstone jewellery.
In the nineteeth century the quality of paste jewellery declined and it has remained the poor cousin to genuine gemstones ever since.
- Edwardian - The Edwardian period of English furniture and decorative arts design is named for Edward VII (1841 – 1910) who was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India for the brief period from 1901 until his death in 1910. It follows the Victorian period, in turn was followed by the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. In Australia, designs of this period are also known as being in the Federation style.
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