Antique 14K Multi-Stone & Enamel Stickpin Conversion in Vintage Basket Brooch

Stickpins first became popular in the late 18th century, when their primary use was to secure the cravats and collars of gentlemen. In 1832, American John Ireland Howe invented a pin-making machine, speeding up the production of jewelry pieces requiring pins, and expanding the market. During the 19th century, women began utilizing them to fasten scarves, adorn lapels and decorate hats. These tiny pieces incorporated a vast assortment of materials: precious and semi-precious gems, elaborate enameling, and intricate gold and silver work, all used to create tiny masterpieces, full of color and style!

Although treasured pieces in most collections, the habit of accessorizing with stickpins has waned. Many of these lovelies tend to become rings or charms. During the middle of the 20th century, a very talented and perhaps nostalgic jeweler created a fantastic brooch using antique examples! This wonderful and unique brooch is like a love letter to the art of the stickpin. A golden basket holds twelve carefully chosen stickpins from around the Victorian era. These include: a garnet, seed pearl and Persian turquoise flower, an opal with a diamond halo, pearls in a leaf pod, Flush set sapphire and seed pearl medallian, a carved flower with a diamond center, a Persian turquoise clover, a square cut opal with stem set opals, a ruby, diamond & pearl cluster, a Persian turquoise flower, two diamond solitaires, an enamel and diamond pansy, and a seed pearl and diamond crescent moon. Each one is set to create a lush flower arrangement in the gathering basket, which is brightly accented with green enameled leaves and a strip on the base. Altogether a joyous and stylish piece of art that pays homage to a beautiful era, when the smallest details were just as important as the overall picture!

Antique stickpins

Vintage basket brooch Circa 1950s

Details (Approximate):

Dimensions: 2" x 2"

Weight: 20.8 grams

Materials: Gold, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Opal, Garnet, Pearl, Enamel

Metal: 14K yellow gold (basket brooch)

Marks: None

Condition: Excellent converted Antique & Vintage condition commensurate with age and wear