Antique Gold Nugget & Quartz Heart Brooch
An early 20th century heart brooch crafted in 10k yellow gold set with flawlessly cut and polished pieces of quartz, the type usually found with gold ore veins, bordered with natural gold nuggets.
Details: Measuring approximately 15/16" high by 7/8" wide. Not marked for gold content but XRF tested to a 10k backround with varying karatage from 13k-20k in the nuggets, and an approximate 3.4 gram weight.
Condition: In excellent condition with a rich antique patina speaking to its age and history. The hinge and clasp are in strong working order. The quartz has natural inclusions and minimal wear.
History: The term "gold-rush" refers to a discovery of gold ore that brings about a massive onslaught of potential miners and fortune seekers to the area. There were major 19th century colonial gold-rushes in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, as well as the U.S, and gold rush souvenir jewelry was quite popular, for both those at home and those who traveled to mining regions. These pieces often came in the form of shovel and pick brooches, rings and lockets set with gold quartz specimens, or pieces such as this which combine the whimsy and craft of Victorian jewelry with an intense public interest in the latest gold rush.
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