Georgian Silver Paste Saint Esprit Brooch

A beautiful late Georgian/early Victorian silver Saint Esprit articulated brooch set with sparkling old single-cut pastes. The Saint Esprit ("Holy Spirit") is a religious symbol which was popular in Catholic France from the late 18th century, particularly in the Normandy region.

The French jeweller Georges Frédéric Strass invented “Paste" in 1724. True paste is crafted from a special leaded glass that was painstakingly cut and then polished by hand with metal powder until it appeared to shimmer like a diamond. It was an instant success with the chic upper classes of Parisian society and continues to be highly sought after today. Nowadays paste is often used as a generic term to describe costume gemstones.

SIZE: Approximately 3 x 4.5cm.

WEIGHT: 10.9g.

MATERIALS: Silver.

HALLMARKS/STAMPS: None. Tests as sterling silver.

CONDITION: In excellent antique condition.

ERA: Georgian-Victorian (c.1714-1901).

Antique and vintage boxes photographed are for display only and are not included unless stated in the description.

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