Late medieval early renaissance gold brooch

As was custom in the Middle Ages, this square shaped brooch from around 1350 was crafted in high carat yellow gold to depict a cross with a ruby or spinel encrusted in a square centre. Although one of the three settings on each corner has disappeared together with the four pearls meant for the pins starting from the centre and ending in a rivet, it is definitely more of an honour than a hazard to preserve and even wear this rare fragment of history.

Antique jewelry object group: brooch

Condition: not perfect condition
This brooch was offered to us in the shop in this condition. Made somewhere between 1300 and 1400 (always hard to pin-point exactly). We decided to leave it untouched as we think that any repair or alteration to this jewel won't do it justice as it will take away its genuine character. It still has its original stick pin and closure.
We also think the brooch has been in the ground for a long time, long enough to have the pearls dissolved.
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Western Europe

Style: Middle Ages - The Middle Ages (adjectival form: medieval or mediæval) is a period of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The period followed the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, and preceded the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period in a three-period division of history: Classical, Medieval, and Modern. The term "Middle Ages" (medium aevum) was coined in the 15th century and reflects the view that this period was a deviation from the path of classical learning, a path supposedly reconnected by Renaissance scholarship.
  -  See also: Middle Ages or more info on styles

Style specifics:

Period: ca. 1350
  -  (events and facts in 1350)

Material: higher carat gold
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Precious stones: the red stone can be either ruby or spinel
  -  (more info on precious stones)

Birthstones: Ruby is the birthstone (or month stone) for July.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: No trace.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: 2.05 cm (0.81 inch) square

Weight: 4.00 gram (2.57 dwt)

Reference Nº: 11265-0007

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

See also our:
yellow gold jewelry, jewelry with ruby, jewelry with spinel, latest acquisitions,
antique jewelry, estate jewelry, vintage jewelry or modern jewelry

Jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
January - February - March - April - May - June - July
August - September - October - November or December.


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