Featured 10k Malachite brooch

Never really thought much when I bought this for $5 at an antique show awhile back. I suspected it was gold and it is 10k. However, I always thought it looked more modern than old but now I am not so sure? What do you guys think on the age of this thing? Very good condition as well.

 

That tube hinge is almost always Victorian, although I've seen a few later ones on traditional pieces from Scandinavia and heard tell of some from India. Odds are that one's the real deal. The pin stem sticks out beyond the piece itself, and that says it's old too. How old...dunno. It could be 1880, 1860, or even earlier for all I'd know. Does anyone know when malachite started being popular for jewelry?

 

I did see a couple Victorian malachite brooches on google. I suppose it could possibly be that! Extremely good condition if it is. Not a single chip anywhere.

 

Like Ruth says...the metal is more telling than the stone..

 

Great buy, spart, and very good condition.

I agree. Tube hinge and nice long pin means history.

 

Yup. late 19th. Looks good for gold.

 

Hi,
Malachite has been used for centuries for jewelry. That pin is wonderful in it's "plainess" it will be a classic for ever.
greg

 

Very pretty.
It reminded me I have a malachite heart in my jewelry box.

 

Malachite is nice unless you sand it dry and inhale the dust,then it deadly.

 

Mmm, that's an ideal way to leave this valley of tears for a joolie, and cheaper than swallowing crushed diamonds I'll keep that in mind

 

If the pin pops open slightly when released from the catch, as I think it does, very well made, anywhere 1880 - 1920.

 

And less painful than swallowing whole diamonds, like a Javanese queen did many centuries ago.

 

Where is she buried, I'd plant some flowers on her grave...

 

I'd have to check which queen it was, then I'll know. All dynasties had royal burial grounds, often very beautiful places, so you'll have a nice holiday as well.
Entrance to one of them, Imogiri: