Victorian Brooch with Paste / Paste Brooch / Victorian Locket Brooch / Paste Jewelry / Victorian Jewellery

Since her reign of Queen Victoria had spanned 60 years the Victorian era is divided into three subcategories: the Romantic Period, the Grand Period and the Aesthetic Period.

This brooch appears to stem from the Romantic Period (1837 – 1861) where the jewellery were inspired from the young Queen and her life with Prince Albert. The jewelry of this period was, well, romantic.

The floral motifs, brightly colored gemstones, and glistening gold filigree mirrored the love and good fortune shared between Victoria and Albert.

French jewel designer Georges Frédéric Strass came up with “paste,” a kind of leaded glass that he cut and polished with metal powder until it appeared to shimmer like a diamond in the light. These white “diamante” or “strass” were a hit with glamorous Parisian high society.

During the Victorian Era, non-precious pastes were a part of a tasteful lady’s evening jewelry sets. This beautiful locket brooch is set with a chunky old mine cut paste stone. The front of the brooch is similar to sunburst motif and it is in great condition given it's age. There is a bit of discolouration to the front of the brooch.

The locket back is secure and it looks like that it has never been used.

The clasp is secure and tight and the clasp is early which helps date the brooch. The "C" clasp is indicative to the early Victorian era.