Vintage Chinese Export Aventurine & Cloisonne Filigree Gold Washed Silver Brooch

  

Chinese Gold Washed Silver Brooch with natural Aventurine gemstone & Cloisonné Floral Ornament. Measurements: 3.4(W) 2.7(L) 1.2(H) cm; weight 12.8 g. The brooch features a large approx. 2.3 x 1.7 cm, undyed, well-polished, ideally smooth, highly lustrous oval cabochon of natural Green Aventurine with light pale haze and good shimmering effect due to tiny inclusions of Muscovite Mica (gemstone quality was tested in Moscow Gemological Center).

Also known as Indian Jade or Australian Jade, Aventurine is a variety of Quartz, and not a form of Jade gemstone. This amazing gemstone has an open bezel setting, embellished at both sides with ornamental filigree in low-relief; the exterior side also features nice floral cloisonné work in blue, indigo, and purple colors. The fastener is with a safety latch Chinese masters started using this type of pin clasps in late 1920s. This brooch is from a personal collection, in excellent vintage condition no flakes, chips, cracks, or other imperfections on gemstone, enamel, or filigree; fastener works fine. Green Aventurine was considered a sacred imperial gemstone in ancient China Chinese emperors State Seal was carved out of this stone; people also believed that Green Aventurine attracts good luck firsthand. Needless to say, old Chinese jewelry pieces containing this gemstone were crafted with special care. This brooch perfectly demonstrates Chinese masters craftsmanship and devotion! Chinese Export jewelry comprises pieces made in China specifically for export to the Western markets. Typical marks on the jewelry differ depending on the period it is from, although not all items carry marks. There are three periods of Chinese Export jewelry. Jewelry were usually marked with Chinese ideograms, some items may have English letters, Western hallmarks and chop marks. Jewelry were crafted in so called Peking Style that included silver mesh wirework decorated with cloisonné and precious stones, as well as Cinnabar, Kingfisher, and Peking Glass crafts.

Western influence, even on the pieces not meant for export, became heavier towards the end of the period. Jewelry were marked China Silver, Silver Made In China, China, and Silver in the end of the period. Older pieces of Qing jewelry from personal collections as well as new designs both traditional Chinese and Western designs such as Art Deco were manufactured and exported during that period. In addition, many pieces of Qing jewelry were incorporated or re-purposed into new designs meant for export.

When trade resumed with China in 1971, Communist government required people to relinquish their personal silver jewelry and adornments. New designs were manufactured and exported as well, marked China, Silver, S925, or simply 925.

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish these late Chinese Export jewelry from early designs. However, the silver is thinner, the enameling is different, item backs are sometimes enameled as well, the mark silver is smaller and often contained in an oval plaque. Chinese Export jewelry are often described as Period pieces.

They feel quintessentially of a certain era, feature the typical design elements associated with that period for a classic look, but it may be difficult to determine the exact years or even decades of their creation. The item "Vintage Chinese Export Aventurine & Cloisonne Filigree Gold Washed Silver Brooch" is in sale since Monday, October 26, 2020. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Fine\Retro, Vintage 1930s-1980s\Pins, Brooches".

The seller is "olde-worlde-junket" and is located in Moscow. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Modified Item: No
2. Country/Region of Manufacture: China
3. Chinese Export 1920-1940s: Natural Green Aventurine Brooch
4. Gold Washed Sterling Silver Filigree: Cloisonne Enamel
5. Main Stone: Aventurine
6. Metal: Sterling Silver
7. Brand: Handmade