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Buying antique jewellery is both ethical and eco-friendly as harmful and destructive mining processes are not needed to make an item yours. So give yourself a pat on the back!
Find Out MoreA superb example of a large tortoiseshellAn organic material (not a shell) that is obtained, not from a tortoise, but from the overlapping horny top plates (called 'blades') covering the carapace (upper shell) of certain marine turtles, preferably the hawksbill turtle found of the West Indies and Brazil and the loggerhead turtle found near the Celebes. round brooch inlaid with silverA metallic element which is malleable and ductile, and white in colour, making it ideal for use in jewellery. It is usually mixed with copper to improve its hardness.
and gold, made circa 1880 when tortoiseshell was used a lot in jewellery. The shell was heated and the silver and gold pieces were pressed in to it. The result was a highly unusual piece of jewellery which was very fashionable. Queen Victoria had set a fashion for mourningRings made especially to mark the death of a loved one. Often called 'memento mori' rings. Rare examples survive intact and are highly collectable. pieces after Albert had died, and jet, black glass and tortoiseshell were commonly used. As the years passed the pieces became more ornate, with more detail in them such as this piece.
Buying antique jewellery is both ethical and eco-friendly as harmful and destructive mining processes are not needed to make an item yours. So give yourself a pat on the back!
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