Featured Two Beauties I've been Dying to Show!

I spied these two pieces in a smallish lot, and to my surprise no one else was interested. With shipping included, I paid 49 cents a piece for these!!

This is silver, solid, and gorgeous! The middle stone was attached by swiveling, so it stills moves a little. So interesting to see the construction like that!
The raised pin always points me more towards 1860s/70s, but the length of it points to later, 90s or turn of the century perhaps?




This I thought was worth a closer look, I thought it was mounted on silver and it looked older. I get it in my hands and immediately see its coral!! I don't know how the seller missed that.

The pin stopper is NOT silver, but the rest of it is. Possibly added on later then? Also along her frame it looks to be gilt. The poor thing needs a good clean, but Im really hesitant to try anything without speaking to you all first, or at least looking back through the archives. There are no marks or signatures anywhere.

Is it possible to date her? Naked cameos online have ranges from 18th to early 20th, and the stopper seems to be vintage. But I have no idea if someone stuck that on later or not, since its not silver. And is she really coral?


Thanks all! ​

 

I am very tired, so I'll leave the rest to the others, but that stopper is definitely recent. I would leave it off, that pin wasn't made to be paired with a stopper like that.

 

Oh GOOD! I was worried this was newer than I hoped. Its a bit stuck, but I'll try to take it off. Rest well!

 

You hold of the bottom part of the stopper with one hand, the top part of the stopper with the other and you pull them 'apart'. That way it loosens.

 

Yes, she is really coral, and can be cleaned with tepid water, mild soap & a soft toothbrush. After patting dry, allow to air dry for a day before putting into any sort of closed box, etc. The white area is integral to the coral & will not be affected by washing.

Agree this clutch is overkill for this delicate piece. As AJ was explaining, the clutch is in 2 pieces connected by a spring. If it is working smoothly, i.e., not stuck with age, the rounded lower part pulls away from the larger upper part to release the clutch. Usually it's not necessary to release the locking mechanism to put the clutch back on the pin stem, although might help avoid the wriggled pin.

 

Thank you Bronwen! I'll get her clean tomorrow. Is she a generic lady/goddess or someone specific?

Thank you both for the explanation, I was able to get it off without fuss. I've not had to use one before lol

 

They are both SUPERB!!!
The coral may become matte and showing white dry areas after cleaning and letting it dry. No problem! A very little of thin oil (or your T zone natural oil!) rubbed on it will restore its color and shine

 

Awesome! I've got plenty of natural oil so no problem there, I'll show it once its dried and pretty.

 

And now you know what it is for!
And you know, more oil needs more antique coral. Fact!

 

Here she is! All clean and pretty. Is there anything else we can figure out about her?

 

Very pretty!

 

I'd call her a generic Flora.