ABOUT:
These antique Perpignan Garnets top my list of all time favorite gemstones. Their delicious berry coloring and beautiful glow from within just make them so special and so appealing to me. Despite their richly hued, juicy gemmy coloring, these stones somehow still sparkle!
This is a bar pin or brooch but would be an excellent candidate for a pendant conversion or for use as an extender / connector. This is a unique one with the large rectangular center stone and the triangular shapes on each end. An interesting geometry and kind of uncommon when it comes to shapes of the Perpignan garnets we usually see in round, oval or teardrop. The elongated triangular cut ones are just fabulous. The other good news is the condition is quite excellent since brooches were by nature more gently worn, so you get the roughly 150 year old piece in about as good condition as can be found..
I had one converted for myself with sections of antique chain permanently connected to each side and I get so many comments whenever I wear it due to the special coloring that only these Perpignan garnet pieces have. I actually prefer this brooch that I am offering for sale here over the one in my personal necklace, because of the alternating shapes and the larger size, but I do not have anyone readily available to convert it so I decided to keep mine and let this one go. I showed it in the pics hanging from a chain just to give you ideas, although in its current state with the pin back, it would tend to teeter back and forth so probably best to convert it if desiring to wear it as a pendant permanently.
These garnets are named as such for the region where they were mined in the South of France. They are known for their beautiful color and brilliance, along with the way the stones were cut. These mines have long since closed and this piece bears the French hallmarks verifying their authenticity of age and the joy of knowing exactly where they came from. In olden times Perpignan Garnets were thought to cure blood disorders and excessive anger, and symbolized constancy and loyalty.
The coloring is truly delicious with excellent reflectivity to the foil - I sound like a fan girl but these stones are just so special. All components are in 18k gold, which is the standard in France. Hallmarks on the pin back and the loop catch.
Antique box, props, chains, mice ; ) not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos, especially with the zoomed images that I am required to present for detail.
MEASUREMENTS:
53mm end to end by 5.5mm north south. Depth is 4.2mm with the domed backs and rose cut stones that dome outward, this is not including the depth added by the pin post / pin back, but just the setting alone. It weighs 2.9 grams.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Dark patina to the back from age.
Some surface scratches and flea bit nibbles that can sometimes catch the light but overall in better than most condition. I'm too blinded by the amazing color to really notice it. The stones have a beautiful sheen and polish overall.
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )
I dearly love, collect, use and sell antiques so please check out my other listings and thanks so much for stopping by my shop!
SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on insta for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews!
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