Antique Gold Sash Brooch or Pin Art Nouveau Cala Lilies w Rare Green French Glass

Price $195

"There are many fabulous features about this large and gorgeous Victorian brooch. The most prominent features are that it is French; it was made during the Art Nouveau period ( 1890-1910 ) ; It is yellow gold washed over brass with large Calla Lilies and leaves; and finally, the accent glass stones are rare French glass. So rare, in fact, that there are probably only half a dozen antique dealers in the US who could tell you what these glass beads are. The large oval glass cab in the center is very impressive and compliments the yellow gold color of the gold washed brass nicely. The glass is a type of French Gripoix satin glass that I have coined as Kryptonite glass. Just like in the Superman movie, the glowing green Kryptonite looks just like the bright green areas in this glass. In more recent years, when most people think of Gripoix glass, they think of a glass that looks quite different. From the mid to late 1800s, France was truly experimenting with glass, hoping to complete with the Bohemia region and Italy in quality and uniqueness. The dark emerald green glass was accomplished by adding large amounts of copper oxide to a rich silica mix that makes the glass satin smooth. The glowing bright green glass was mixed with silver to achieve the dichroic effect. Both colors were mixed separately, then poured and mixed in the mold to create the mottled look that in the end, looks like something that came from planet Krypton ! The French Gripoix glass cab in the center is in perfect condition and it measures 3/4"" tall x 5/8"" wide. There are two smaller matching glass ovals that are 1/4"" long. All of the cabs are set in custom made smooth bezels. The calla lilies also have a light rose gold wash on the leaves. This brooch is very weighty at 42 grams and measures 3"" long x 1 3/4"" tall. It is in fabulous condition for age with no breaks, chips, scratches or dings. It has the original old C clasp, bar and hinge and it is not signed. The brooch is very nice and clean and there is no greening or grime. You can detect some hidden signs of dirt if you look hard in the tiny little crannies, but I have cleaned this piece lightly with jewelry cleaner and Q tips. The brooch still retains the original old patina and only the protruding areas have been professionally lightly polished. IMO, it is a drop dead gorgeous Victorian brooch with some of the rarest glass on the face of the earth ! "