Brooch With Saphire

crazydigger · Apr 29, 2011

I really really wish I new what this is. I dug it about 7" down and had a solid silver hit. It was packed with dirt and cleaned up the same as any other silver finds. The latch works fine as well. Are the rocks of any value? Where do I take it for an honest appraisal?

This hobby is unbelievably addicting......my kids think I'm weird!

Thanks!

Gunrunner61 · Apr 29, 2011

If it we're me i'd take it to a jewery store and ask them to look at it.

DevilDog812 · Apr 29, 2011

i have no idea, but i do know that that is one of the coolest pieces of jewelery ive seen :icon_thumright:

bryguy5 · Apr 29, 2011

beautiful, nice find. :icon_thumright:

ANTIQUARIAN · Apr 29, 2011

That's a gorgeous find there crazydigger! :notworthy:

Now I'm not a gemologist but that center stone is probably some type of rock crystal. They're usually backed with blue metal foil underneath the mounting to give it that color. It looks to be very well made, probably from the 1930's or 40's. But, I do hope I'm wrong with my assessment ! :dontknow:

Very nice find! :icon_thumright:

Dave

crazydigger · Apr 29, 2011

Antiquarian said:
That's a gorgeous find there crazydigger!
Now I'm not a gemologist but that center stone is probably some type of rock crystal. They're usually backed with blue metal foil underneath the mounting to give it that color. It looks to be very well made, probably from the 1930's or 40's. But, I do hope I'm wrong with my assessment !

Very nice find!

Dave

Thanks Dave!

treasurefiend · Apr 29, 2011

crazydigger · Apr 29, 2011

TreasureFiend said:
No Sterling....I checked with a magnifing glass and light all over and could'nt find anything. Thanks for looking!

High Plains Digger · Apr 29, 2011

I am sort of a gemologist, and I have played one on TV. Here is one rule of thumb--they usually did not put expensive stones in sterling, let alone pot metal. Gold or platinum. Big stone doesn't look like a good sapphire, or even a bad one. Little stones---the rest of the piece will tell you. The colored foil backing is a good thing to look for, and a good call. I am amazed that the pin works. Clean it up--it's a good piece to have. Who knows, broaches may be back in vogue some day.

I purchased my wife's grandfather's house, built in 1927 and he purchased it in 1946 and lived there almost 50 years. I also found a small broach, pot metal, many of the "stones" were missing. I often wondered if her grandmother lost it. Would have been the right kind of thing for a little old German lady to wear in 1950, like this one.