$5,750.00
Not only is this such an attractive brooch, but the fact that it "spells" out the word Regard, makes it so much more unique and romantic.
Classified as acrostic jewellery, this is where the first letter of each gemstone is used to "spell" out a word, and here from left to right, it is set with a Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby and a Diamond.
Made in the Victorian period of the 1870's, it was made in 18 carat yellow gold and measures 32.5mm across by 23mm wide and has the most wonderful and intricate detail that is a real testament to the quality of jewellery that could be produced well over 150 years ago.
Then turning the brooch over shows a locket compartment, and if this brooch could talk, one can only imagine the love that went into putting a lock of hair into the back of a loved one to wear close to the heart.
This is such a wonderful brooch that is as romantic as it is beautiful.
Stock# ET852
Circa: 1870
$5,750
In stock
Antique Regard brooch with a locket on the reverse
A "Regard" brooch is a form of acrostic jewellery that "spells" out a worn. In this antique Regard brooch, it is set with a Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby and a Diamond spelling out the word "Regard".
Acrostic jewellery is a form of jewellery where the first letter of each gemstone "spells" out a particular word or meaning. This form of jewellery goes as far back as the 1700s and was thought to have originated from French jeweller Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) who made jewellery for Marie Antoinette and Empress Josephine. This form of jewellery quickly became popular, and came across the channel to be embraced by many English jewellers.
However, acrostic jewellery became most popular during the mid-19th century during what is known as the Romantic era. In France at this time the common words found in acrostic jewellery were often "souvenir" (remembrance) and "amiti" (friendship). In England, this form of jewellery is most often be found in brooches and rings known as a "regard"; which would feature a ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and a diamond, or perhaps the word "love" would be made, the piece being set with a lapis, opal, vermeil (an old name for hessonite garnet) and emerald.
Other romantic sentiments found in acrostic jewellery can also be found in the form of "dearest" and "adore" jewellery. Adore (love), was spelled out in a ring with jacinth, amethyst, diamond, opal, ruby and emerald gemstones, set in that order. Sometimes, the gems would be inter spaced with seed pearls representing tears.
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https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-brooch-antique/
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