Vintage Paste and Bead Brooch

Very pretty vintage brooch with paste and red glass stones. 

Paste refers to glass that has been hand cut to approximate the shape and coloring of diamonds and then polished to shine like a gemstone. The practice was established in the Georgian era as a means for those who could not afford elaborate gemstone-jewelry to commission pieces for themselves. Paste stones, which are not made from glass but from lead crystals, are generally more brilliant and can be polished to a higher degree than other faux gemstones.

 Brooches are enjoying a revival and, most importantly, they are shedding their reputations as being reserved for women of a certain age. They have been a  staple since the Bronze Age, when they were used as a practical means for securing clothing and have become ever more versatile over time.  

 The brooch measures 6.5cm.

 All Leoni & Vonk jewellery is packaged in a black wallet/pouch. If your Leoni & Vonk purchase is a special gift and you would like it gift wrapped please go to the Gift Wrap section here and make your selection https://leoniandvonk.com/collections/gift-wrap

This unique piece of jewellery may have signs of wear due to its history. It is beautifully imperfect and should be treated with love and care.