A spectacular antique Victorian 14K Gold Pin with diamonds, sapphire, rose cut garnets.
A Fleur de Lis with raised scrolling accents is centered with an etched Chalis. Cross at the lip of the chalis signifying the blood of Christ and eternal life. This is behind a protective, slightly convex, beveled edged, glass.
Border of pin is a circular array of 2 mm Rose Cut Bohemian Garnet gemstones. Back of pin is open and displays a lovely openwork motif which supports the Fleur De Lis on the 14k Gold frame.
Pin is decorated with genuine diamonds and sapphire. It is hard to measures the gemstones behind glass, but the biggest diamond is estimated to be approx 1.5 mm wide and sapphire to be approx 2 mm wide.
On the back is written "E. Labequ, 26 Avril, 1893", which is French for 26 April, 1893.
We believe this to be a Sentimental, either Mourning or Religious pin. We could not find another example like this. If anyone has any more information as to what this unusual pin represents, we would love to hear from you. Certainly, a one of a kind Victorian pin.
There is a small, 1/8 inch, slightly deep scratch on the top glass surface. It is not distracting and could possibly be buffed out by polishing (hard to see on photo, see red arrow on photo below). The gold has a heavy dark patina as to be expected from its age. It has not been cleaned or polished. Otherwise, this outstanding pin is in very good condition. Trombone clasp is in proper working condition.
