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. This stunning brooch, made around 1880 in the beginning of the Art Nouveau aesthetic movement, features paste meticulously cut into old mine diamond shapes, perfectly mimicking their kaleidoscopic sparkle. A green, emerald-like paste stone glows from the center of the sweet clover design. All are set in silver-topped 14k yellow gold. The brooch features a pinback with a safety clasp as well as two jump rings, ideally placed for wear as a necklace. We are happy to make up a chain for the piece upon request. The brooch measures 1 3/8 inch by 1 5/8 inch.

Inventory# P08543