All the charm of an antique jewel, halfway between Victorian nobility and the poetry of Nordic traditions…
This spectacular Norwegian vermeil silver brooch, finely crafted in filigree, is a true miniature work of art, made around 1850–1900.
Its heart-shaped silhouette, punctuated with chiseled pendants, evokes the traditional sølje of Scandinavian countries while adopting the codes of Victorian bodice jewelry.
This type of jewelry is worn especially with folk costumes (bunad), during weddings or traditional festivals. The small mobile pendants have a symbolic function: they reflect light to ward off evil spirits. They were believed to represent barley grains, which are a symbol of new life, fertility and good harvests. The hearts symbolized the Virgin Mary. Today, these jewels are rather considered part of traditional clothing.
In the past, this kind of brooch was often a wedding or engagement gift, and could be passed down from generation to generation.
The tested silver, the presence of old hallmarks (barely legible), the clasp with its long slightly arched pin and its fine tip longer than the frame (a classic of old fasteners designed to pass through layers of fabric), its handmade tubular hinge without a spring mechanism typical of the 19th century and its closed catch (it is a slightly more evolved version of the "C-clasp", but still period), the safety pin attached to a chain, all indicate an authentic and precious original piece dating from 1850-1900.
The filigree work is remarkable for its fineness, and its large size makes it even rarer and more desirable.
💎 Dimensions: 10 cm x 5 cm
⚖️ Weight: 17.2 g
🌟 Material: Vermeil silver – silver tested with a touchstone
🕰️ Condition: Very good antique condition – functional clasp, no missing parts, warm patina preserved (note: the gilding is slightly faded in places, which gives it even more charm).
“It is said that a brooch like this was given to young brides, to protect them and bring them good luck throughout their lives…”
This is a rare and precious brooch with soul, at the crossroads of folk art and Victorian elegance, for lovers of history, tradition and ancient romanticism.
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