Anchor Brooch - Victorian Sterling Silver set with Grey Banded Agate 1898 (sold)

 This Victorian Pin is an English classic from the 19th Century.  An exceptionally well detailed and engraved Sterling Silver Anchor Brooch with twisted roped pattern and inlaid panels of natural grey agate.  This Victorian Brooch is in Excellent condition and is a good example of a kind of Jewellery known as 'Pebble Jewellery'.  Queen Victoria's love of Balmoral and all things Scottish led to increased interest in the natural stones found in the area. The Queen herself had jewellery parures of silver and gold set with these natural stones such as Cairngorms, Amethysts, Carnelians and other Agates. The Victorians were very sentimental and often Victorian Jewellery is used to send a secret message or to convey a sentiment.  The Anchor is a sign of Hope and is a symbol often seen in antique Victorian jewellery.  This Silver Anchor Brooch has a full hallmark which shows it was assayed in Birmingham in 1898.  There is also a maker's mark but due to the silver winding rope around the brooch it is hard to make it out.  A further silver mark, the lion passant, which indicates a metal purity of 925 Sterling is also seen on the front of the brooch on the loop at the top.  This large loop would enable the brooch to be hooked onto a chain or ribbon to enable it to be worn as a necklace pendant.  The Silver Anchor Brooch measures 1.75 inches by 1.25 inches.  It has a good long silver pin to the reverse which is retained by an old fashioned 'c' type clasp. This brooch is in excellent condition. 

JEWELLERY DETAILS

Designer or Brand: Maker from Birmingham

Country of Origin: England

Condition: Excellent

Decade: 1890s

Era: Antique

Type: Brooch and Necklace Pendant

Material: Sterling Silver and Grey Banded Agate

Symbol: Anchor