DATE: Georgian, c.1820

Enchanting Georgian black dot paste brooch dating from the early 19th century, circa 1820. It comprises a pear-shaped drop dangling freely beneath an elegant bow top - all set with crisp and bright white paste gemstones, old mine and pear cut, their open culets each painted black (hence their black dot moniker) to simulate diamonds.

Paste gemstones are made from highly polished leaded glass with the addition of minute amounts of certain metals to give them colour. George Strass is generally credited with perfecting the technique in the 1720s; his primary focus was on replicating the fire and brilliance of diamonds.

STONES 

White Paste Gemstones 

MEASUREMENTS 

3.6 x 1.9cm

WEIGHT 

7.7g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as silver plate

CONDITION 

 Very good, light wear commensurate with age