Antique Arts & Craft Silver & Amethyst Brooch - Circa 1910

This is a striking piece of handmade jewellery, made in the early years of the 20th century. Made in the Arts & Crafts style, with a finely spot hammered oval silver disc, with applied trefoil motifs. With a rope twist border to the edge, plus decorative small silver balls. The faceted amethyst to the centre is collet set, and stands proud from the oval disc. The amethyst is a natural stone, and displays an inclusion within known as a ‘zebra stripe’, which can be seen with the naked eye, or better viewed through a loupe. The stone setting also has a decorative bead border at its base. The reverse side also displays a finely hammered or planished finish, and has its original tube hinge and C clasp, a style that is perfectly correct for the era. The oval disc has an oxidized finish (rather than just tarnished), which really makes the decorative features pop. As is often seen on Arts & Crafts pieces, it’s completely unmarked. It’s been tested as silver, and uses a real stone, as detailed above. A really nice quality, and attractive piece. I cannot identify who made the piece, but it’s certainly not the work of an amateur or hobbyist working from a kit, as was doable at the time. Some aspects of the design are reminiscent of the Scottish maker, Mary Thew, and I feel there is a slight Scottish feel to the piece, but this is purely speculation on my part. The brooch measures 4.8cm x 3.2cm, with the weight being 11g.