Featured Brooch described as "vintage with rhinestones"- not so and a nice surprise! help with age?

Hello all, happy Friday I came across this brooch by accident while browsing for something else. I bought it online from a local antique mall and just picked it up. It was listed as "vintage with purple rhinestones". I thought it look older by the clasp so I bought it. It has just tested as garnet and 14K (I couldn't quite believe it and tested multiple times with various items to make sure my acid hadn't gone bad!). It was very dirty, still is a bit but working on cleaning it. My questions- do you think it is likely solid 14K or more likely rolled gold or plated? It's not marked anywhere that I can see. Also, what age do you think it is? It is quite light and measures 1.5"L x 1.25"W. Thanks as always!

 

Oh my, I would have nabbed that in a heart beat!

Late 19th or early 20th based on the hinge and clasp. If you are not confident on your gold test take it to someone you trust to test it, but I bet it is gold!

 

High Victorian. Anywhere from 1870 ish. I’d suspect solid, that would be a right sod to make plated.

 

Yes I think that's a good idea, I will thank you!

 

Thank you! I'm slowly learning

 

Wowzer!!

Debora

 

I've seen this type of garnet described as "Rhodolite" is that correct for these?

 

No one can tell what type of stone is from a photo.

 

Ok

 

Rhodolite garnet from the location of original discovery.

 

OOOOOOH!!!! SOOO SWEEEET!!!!

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I'd bet it's real too. The rough spot on the back is probably where a pendant loop broke off; a lot of these had a folding one. If you're really concerned about the gold content, scratch that rough spot on your testing stone. The underlying metal is already exposed. Not bad for an old piece of costume!

 

Gorgeous, Elen, great find.

There is some late Biedermeier there, and Etruscan Revival influence in the details. 1860-1880 is a safe bet imo.

 

Very, very nice!

it would not surprise me one bit if that is 14k

I’d be curious to see the “before” photo that was advertised when you bought it online.

 

Love the purple color.

 

These were the pics when I bought it online. The front was pretty clean, the back quite grubby!

 

Thanks so much!

 

That’s a great buy!