Important Late 19th Century Emerald and Diamond Brooch Octagonal-shaped Emerald of 5.43 Carats, Rectangular-shaped Emera

Late nineteenth-century jewellery carries a construction signature that is difficult to replicate today — closed-back silver-and-gold settings, hand-cut stones, and a density of craftsmanship shaped by tools and techniques that predate modern mass production. This emerald and diamond brooch is a genuine example of that period, built around an octagonal-shaped emerald weighing 5.43 carats, joined by additional rectangular-shaped emeralds and old-cut diamonds, all set in the traditional silver-over-gold construction characteristic of the era — silver used on the visible face to enhance the whiteness of the diamonds, gold used on the reverse and structural elements to prevent the silver from tarnishing against skin and fabric.

Colour and clarity grading for the emeralds are available on request. This silver-and-gold construction technique is itself a reliable marker of genuine period manufacture, since the approach fell out of favour once platinum became widely available for fine jewellery in the early twentieth century — a brooch built this way carries authentic nineteenth-century character rather than later revival styling. The old-cut diamonds throughout the piece further support this dating, cut by hand with the deeper proportions and larger culets characteristic of pre-modern faceting, giving the stones a warmer, more candlelit sparkle than contemporary brilliant cuts.

The combination of an octagonal centre emerald with rectangular supporting stones reflects a design sensibility focused on geometric structure, a popular approach in late Victorian jewellery that favoured clean architectural lines over the more flowing naturalistic motifs that would dominate the subsequent Art Nouveau period. For collectors of period jewellery, this brooch represents a clear, well-preserved example of that transitional design language.

Antique pieces of this age and construction are acquired as much for their historical and material authenticity as for their wearability, and this brooch suits collectors specifically seeking genuine nineteenth-century craftsmanship rather than modern reproduction. Worn on the body, it anchors comfortably at the lapel or the centre of a formal collar, well suited to occasions where its age and character can be appreciated rather than lost among more contemporary pieces.

The pin mechanism has been inspected for secure function prior to listing, and any condition notes relevant to a piece of this age are disclosed candidly to serious enquirers, consistent with our standard for every antique acquisition. Independent certification for the emerald content is available on request.

This brooch has been welcomed into the Legacy house collection as a genuine example of late nineteenth-century craftsmanship. Our advisors are pleased to discuss its construction and dating further, and we invite a private viewing at your convenience.

Specifications

• Metal: Gold
• Diamond / Gem weight: 5.43ct
• Cut / Shape: Emerald Cut
• Gemstones: Emerald