Antique pique brooch from the 1880’s
$2,400.00
Somethings can never be reproduced today, and pique jewellery is a perfect example of this.
Pique jewellery is unlike anything else, and click here to read a brief article on pique jewellery: https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/history-of-pique-jewellery/
This lovely pique brooch dates from the Victorian era of the 1880’s, and has the most wonderful geometric design that will look lovely on any outfit.
The fine, exquisite detail is just part of what makes pique jewellery so amazing, and combined with the warm chocolate-brown colour, will make this brooch be admired from near or far.
Measuring 41.2mm in diameter, this will be the perfect brooch to wear for any occasion.
Stock# EC499
Circa: 1880
$2,400
Antique pique brooch from the 1880’s
Antique pique brooch from the 1880’s
A brief history on pique jewellery: What is pique jewellery?
Pique jewellery is a style and type of jewellery all unto itself and one that cannot be reproduced today and is so unique and spectacular. Made most popular during the Victorian era, it can be found as far back as the 18th Century and was popular throughout most parts of Europe but mostly in Italy and England.
Pique (pronounced pee-kay) is gold or silver, or sometimes a combination of both, inlayed into another material. Quite often the material was tortoiseshell (from the Hawksbill tortoise which was also used for the making of other tortoiseshell material such as boxes etc) and sometimes even from elephant ivory.
The tortoiseshell seemed to be the most popular, probably because of its light weight and being easy to mould into other shapes. Tortoiseshell is a natural thermoplastic , meaning that it is quite malleable when heated/warmed. Very fine gold or silver would be fashioned into either fine rod or leaf designs and the pressed into the already warmed tortoiseshell.After the gold and silver was set, the shell was left to cool down which would then contract to hold the metal in place.
Prior to 1870, the metals were cut by hand allowing for very fine and intricate detail then after 1870, machines started to do the work resulting in more straight and angular designs. The attention to detail no matter the age is always something that never ceases to amaze people especially when you consider that these pieces were often made well over 140 years ago and still look superb today.
Pique jewellery can most commonly be found in earrings and pendants, and the designs and colouring are amazing to admire.
This form of jewellery making is now a lost art as both the elephant and Hawksbill turtle are protected species, meaning that pique jewellery will become harder and harder to find as the years go by.
Where is Australia’s best antique store? Antique jewellery Sydney.
At Kalmar Antiques in Sydney’s historic Queen Victoria Building.
What is the difference between vintage jewellery and antique jewellery?
Vintage jewellery is one that is over twenty years old, but less than one hundred. Antiques on the other hand, must be over one hundred years old to be considered as an antique.
Where can I buy antique jewellery in Sydney?
At Kalmar Antiques on the top floor of the Queen Victoria Building, in the heart of Sydney. The Queen Victoria Building is just a few minutes walk from the Strand Arcade and Town Hall Station.
Kalmar Antiques in Sydney is Australia’s number one antique jewellery and watch store.
Where can I have my antique jewellery repaired in Sydney?
At Kalmar Antiques in the Queen Victoria Building, we have been repairing antique jewellery for over thirty five years. As well as jewellery, we have two watchmakers on site and are an authorised OMEGA watch service centre.
Click here to see more antique pique jewellery that is currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/antique/pique-jewellery-antique/
Click here to see more antique brooches currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/antique/antique-brooch-antique/
