For Breezie and all, Info please

[pistol-pete]

Found this broach/pin awhile back. It is brass, WHY would any jewelry be made of brass?? Would turn you green. Also brass chain, same question. Any info as to what they are or ANY INFO appreciated. Thanks in advance. .

 

[mamabear]

hmmm, good question. I like the looks of it.

 

[Silver Searcher]

Because it was a cheap way to make costume Jewelry, popular during the 1900's period. Brass jewelry could be guilded also to look like gold, often cheap stones or paste stones were fitted to make them more apealing.
Set in pewter, silver, nickel or brass. During the depression years, rhinestones were even down-graded by some manufacturers to meet the cost of production.[SUP][2][/SUP] An interesting phenomenon occurred during the World War II era, when sterling silver was often incorporated into costume jewelry designs. This was driven by primarily two factors: 1. The components used for base metal were needed for war time production (i.e., military applications) and a ban was placed on their use in the private sector. 2. Base metal was originally popular because it could approximate platinum's color, sterling silver fulfilled the same function. This resulted in a number of years during which sterling silver costume jewelry was produced and some can still be found in today's vintage jewelry marketplace.Modern costume jewelry incorporates a wide range of materials. High end crystals, cubic zirconia simulated diamonds, and some semi-precious stones are used in place of precious stones. Metals include gold- or silver-plated brass, and sometimes vermeil or sterling silver. Lower-priced jewelry may still use gold plating over pewter, nickel or other metals; items made in countries outside the United States may contain lead. Some pieces incorporate plastic, acrylic, leather or wood.



SS

 

[duggap]

The chain looks like the chain off a WWI officers sword hanger. Just a swag mind you.

 

[Breezie]

Pete, SS has already answered your question about why some jewelry was made of brass, so I'll address your other questions.

The rope part of your Victorian brass brooch is similar to a 'cow hitch knot,' often made with human 'hair' from a deceased person, then made into mourning jewelry. Mourning jewelry was worn by most Victorian women during their time of mourning as well as black clothing. Many pieces of mourning jewelry was black in color, and often gutta percha, jet, and onxy was used. Mourning generally lasted 2 to 3 years for Victorian women. Your brooch could or could not be a mourning piece, but the knot rope leads me to believe it is. If it is, it is a later mourning piece, since the earlier pieces had to be black.

The reason some jewelry turns your skin green has to do with copper and the chemical reaction from the chemicals in your skin or on your skin (like lotion.) Either the copper in the ring/bracelet or either the copper in your body will cause a green finger/wrist.

Judging by the 2 clasps on your brass chain, I would say it was used on a cloak or cape.

Neat finds! Breezie

 

[pistol-pete]

Thanks for the info. both pieces found in this mining area of 1870-1895

 

[Silver Searcher]

Thanks for the info. both pieces found in this mining area of 1870-1895

I think your chain is a utility chain, proberbly fron the old type of toilet flush, were the system was up a height.

SS

 

[Breezie]

Pete, how long is your chain? Most of the Victorian toilet chains were over 30 inches long since the tank was high. Check this one out.
Antique Victorian Toilet Cistern Chain by ThoroughlyVintage

Breezie