Ornate Silver Victorian Hair Comb with Paste

A Victorian hair ornament perfect for a bridal updo, the lush Baroque motif of the crest set with a fiery bright cluster of paste "diamonds". With the comb's smooth slender prongs it's perfect to secure either a messy bun or accent a formal chignon.

Details: Measuring approximately 4 1/4" long from top of the crest to bottom of the prongs, by 4" wide. Not marked for metal content but professionally tests to about 900 silver.

Condition: In excellent antique condition with a rich antique patina to the metal and light wear to the tops of the stones.

History: Georges Strass, an 18th century Viennese jeweler, is usually credited with inventing paste in 1730, although there is some evidence he was one of two jewelers who developed a successful formula for this type of lead glass, which when hand-cut resembles the brilliance and sparkle of genuine diamond. Developed primarily as an imitation of the more expensive gemstone to thwart highway robbers who might make off with the jewelry of blinged out wealthy travelers, it quickly became popular in its own right for its beautiful fire.