Featured Remember This Orchid Bar Brooch?

Hi @Marie Forjan. Do you remember this brooch? I have finally had the metal tested and you were right! The bar is 9ct and the orchids are 18ct. The pearls are cultured. I think it's really pretty.

 

@TraceyB
Wow! I hope you are going to wear this! It's too good to be left in a drawer!

 

@stracci
It won't be left in a drawer I will wear this piece. Out of all of my Grandmother's jewellery this is a piece that I have fallen in love with

 

It's beautiful, and unusual! A good combination.

 

Congratulations, it's a beauty!!!!!

 

It is truly lovely!
Leslie

 

Cattleya. Sometimes known as the corsage orchid.

 

Lovely, wear it in good health.

 

This is the bracelet I mentioned in the original thread:

 

That is a stunning piece @Bronwen.

 

Thank you. I found it among my mother's things. She had a note with it saying she had seen a similar one at an antiques fair described as being Venezuelan. My jeweller said it is 18k with little applied granules of river gold that would be of a higher fineness. It's so delicate & current value so high I hesitate to wear it.

 

@TraceyB - That is a stunning pin!!

Wear it around the apartment to impress the cats & the turtle!

 

One of my turtles would not surprise me if she snapped at it, given the opportunity. And a certain naughty kitty who shall remain nameless might well take a swipe at it. Perils abound.

 

I would be glad to care for it for as long as necessary. My dogs are not interested in jewelry at all as it is not edible so it would be safe here in SC.

 

Is there a maker's mark on it? Can't tell if the granules are from a river or just filings out of a goldsmith's bench pan.

 

There is only the 18K mark that I can find, on the tongue of the clasp. What my jeweller says & what is correct are not always the same thing. He did not test or do more than take a cursory look, spoke as though familiar with these orchid pieces. All parts look the same color to me.

 

The technique has been used for many years,whether or not it has gold granules from a river would be questionable.With the internet today anyone with the will to try the technique can take an online class.... https://www.vivimagoo.com/product/a...january-13-2021-and-thursday-january-21-2021/