A Regal Tribute: The Antique 1870s Blackamoor Stickpin

This exquisite ca. 1870 stickpin, a splendid representation of the Victorian Grand Period, features a captivating crowned blackamoor motif. Crafted in 18k red gold and silver, it reflects the era's rich blend of diverse cultural influences. Adorned with two old brilliant-cut diamonds, a luminous ruby, and twin half seed pearls, it exudes an air of regal sophistication. The choice of a blackamoor figure, often a symbol of servitude, intriguingly crowned as a king, invites contemplation. This juxtaposition may hint at a deeper narrative, perhaps a subtle commentary on power dynamics or a nod to unknown tales of valor and royalty. The piece, rich in both aesthetic and historical wonder, beckons viewers to ponder the complexities and narratives woven into the fabric of Victorian jewellery.

Antique jewelry object group
A Regal Tribute: The Antique 1870s Blackamoor Stickpin

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
unknown

Style
Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
See also: Victorian
more info on styles

Style specifics
The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837 - 1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period.

This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period.

Period
ca. 1870
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Theme
crowned blackamoor

Material
18k red gold and silver , see also: The silver on gold technique (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Extra information
Blackamoors have a long history in decorative art, stretching all the way back to 17th century Italy and the famous sculptor Andrea Brustolon (1662–1732). They are often recognized for depictions of slaves and the ornamental pieces that they inspired.

Diamonds
Two old brilliant cut with an estimated weight of ± 0.14ct colour and clarity F/H, vs/si
All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.
All diamonds we offer are screened by the I.J.G.C. for whether they are natural or synthetic, and all diamonds in this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural.

Precious stones
One ruby with an estimated weight of ± 0.05ct
Two half seed pearls

All color stone weights are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.
It is a very common practice to treat gemstones to intensify their clarity or colour. The item in question has not been tested in this regard.

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April, ruby for July and pearl for June.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
No trace.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
height head 2,07 cm (0,81 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
2,80 gram (1,80 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
23296-0119

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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