{Paste Dreams}

Paste is a term for leaded glass that were cut to resemble gemstones. I have read that it was more difficult to cut paste than a diamond! It took a great amount of skill and these early 19th century pieces are wonderful examples of the quality.

During their peak of popularity (1700's-1800's) paste jewels were very desirable. Due to the wide variety of cuts they could be set in jewelry that diamonds could not be. The leaded glass gives the stones a brilliant glow that you can only find in old paste. Some paste stones were foiled and there are rare pieces that were tinted to various colors.

 Paste differs from rhinestones in that it is leaded glass and is not machine cut. If you look closely at each stone you can see the hand crafted characteristics.

{Mosaic Masterpieces}

I love old mosaic pieces - no matter the condition. I also love reverse painted glass Georgian brooches! Here are a few of my favorites.....

Clockwise from top: {1} The Roman Forum - circa 1850-1860 Italian Grand Tour brooch. The Venetian mosaic tesserae are set in French Jet.
{2} Micro Mosaic Floral Bouquet set in Aventurine glass. Fantastic condition - circa 1870
{3} Georgian reverse painted glass rose pin. circa 1850
{4} Fantastic Georgian/Early Victorian Pocket Watch Chain. Ornate gold links with swirled enamel finales. The best part? The miniature working tortoise shell pocket knife fob! Circa 1850
{5} Italian tree with ancient ruins, set in Aventurine glass. This reminds me of J.M.W Turner's beautiful Italian landscape paintings.
{6} {center} Georgian reverse painted glass brooch. Expertly painted miniature portrait of a ship nearing shore. Circa 1840-1850

This is an engraving of my favorite William Turner painting - Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. Italy. The detail is incredible - Look at that tree!

{Persian Turquoise}

Persian Turquoise is one of my all time favorite gems. Long before the United States became the world's largest supplier of turquoise, the finest turquoise was mined in Persia. During the 19th century it was a prized stone - thought to have healing properties and bring good luck and banish evil forces.

I have been on the hunt for a Georgian Persian turquoise brooch for a long while now and have finally found the perfect piece!

Georgian Domed Persian Turquoise Brooch with  a  Mine Cut diamond set in the center.
ca 1850

Natural turquoise is a porous stone. If untreated (like the brooch above) it will oxidize over the decades and mellow to a beautiful shade of green.

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, mined in the Southwest United States closely resembles Persian Turquoise. Clear, blue turquoise with no matrix (veins). Absolutely gorgeous!

Two antique Persian Turquoise Rings in my collection.
Left: Georgian solid gold with gypsy set Persian Turquoise, circa 1850
Right: Victorian, warm rose gold with prong set turquoise, circa 1890

From top, clockwise:
(1) Oval turquoise and marcasite oval brooch, circa 1890
(2) Open faced glass locket jeweled with turquoise and seed pearls, circa 1880
(3) Georgian Persian Turquoise Heart Brooch, circa 1850
(4) Vintage Native American Sterling Cross Pendant set with Sleeping Beauty Turquoise stones
(5) Center: Victorian French Paste and Persian Turquoise lace pin, circa 1880