19th Century Gilded Pounamu Jade Brooch.

Diamond-shaped piece of New Zealand jade (called pounamu or greenstone in NZ). Mounted in gilded gold, with a minutely detailed finish of tiny dots and details to the decoration. The mount depicts acorns and oak leaves around the jade. The mount motifs test as somewhere between 15ct and 18ct, but I can't get a satisfactory test on the frame. Brooch measures 42.4 mm wide by 29.54 mm high. It has one small fault - (see close-up photo) which is next to the hinge of the clasp and shows the frame has come away at this point - on the other side of the clasp there is a small tear. This does not effect the wearing of the brooch and it is difficult to see from the outside, as this part of the frame will be touching the fabric in which the brooch is being worn. The pin of the clasp is white metal - possibly a replacement?  Beautiful and rare item, 1837-1901 Victorian period. 

ITEM REF. No: E12209

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