Filigree Berry Brooch — Black Silk-Wrapped Beads & Gold Tone
An unusual and rather elegant brooch: three black berries on slender stems, rising from a pair of filigree leaves within a sweeping open wire loop, with fine tendrils curving away below.
The berries are what make this piece. Rather than glass or plastic, each is a bead wrapped in fine black silk-effect thread, wound tightly round and round so the surface has a soft matte sheen quite unlike a hard bead. Each one is centred with a small clear rhinestone that sits like a dewdrop against the dark thread. It's an unusual technique and not one you see often.
The two leaves are hand-coiled filigree — genuine twisted wire spiralled into the leaf shapes, not stamped metal made to look like it. The difference is clear in the hand: you can see individual wires meeting where they were joined.
Around it all sweeps a fine gold-tone wire loop, with two tendrils extending below to give the whole design movement and lift.
Fastens with a straight pin and hook catch.
Wonderful on a black coat or a dark jacket — the gold reads warm and the berries stay quietly dramatic.
Measurements
Materials and age — please read
Gold-tone plated base metal with hand-coiled filigree, thread-wrapped beads and clear rhinestones. Not gold, and unmarked — no maker's name, country stamp or purity mark anywhere on the piece.
I am not able to date this brooch. The style is a traditional one that has been made over a long period, and while some features suggest age, the condition of the plating and the thread is remarkably good. I would rather say plainly that I do not know than guess at a decade. It is listed on its own merits as an attractive and unusual piece rather than as a period item.
Condition
Very good condition. The gold-tone plating is bright and even with only light surface wear. The filigree leaves are intact throughout, with no crushed or unravelled sections. The thread wrapping on all three berries is sound, with no fraying or thinning noted. All three rhinestones are present and secure. The pin is straight and the catch fastens properly.
Please study all photographs, which form part of the description. Sold as seen.
Care — please read
The berries are wrapped in thread, not glass or plastic. Please do not wet this brooch, immerse it, or use any jewellery dip or cleaner — thread absorbs liquid, stains permanently and will not dry cleanly. Dust with a very soft brush only, working with the direction of the winding rather than against it, and keep the piece away from anything that could snag the thread.