Paste, the original rhinestone, dates back to the 1720s. The technique was developed by King Louis XV's court jeweler and was instantly popular with royalty and aristocrats for nearly two centuries thereafter. While we view rhinestones as a kind of faux gemstone, paste was highly regarded as an exciting new art form. Due to their heavier leaded content, paste stones sparkle more brilliantly than rhinestones ever could!

This stunning floral brooch features exemplary paste stones sparkling wildly throughout. Handmade in silver around 1900, this brooch is perhaps more beautiful over a century later, it's bright stones now perfectly contrasted and highlighted by the silver's dark, antique patina!

• Handmade around 1900
• Set in silver
• French paste stones
• Measures about 3 1/4 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide

Inventory# P16360