The price of silver has been skyrocketing recently—which often happens during times of economic insecurity. Some investors feel safe pouring their savings into precious metals—silver and gold—though this strategy can never guarantee endless profits. In light of silver's volatility in the current market, we're sharing a few of our favorite antique silver brooches—currently in-stock at LEO Design.
Shown above, a Victorian English silver brooch, hallmarked "Chester, 1887." The elegant, graduated crescent form is embellished with engraved strap work, scrolling botanical elements, and little applied spheres—all for a handsome Aesthetic Movement design.
In her times, Queen Victoria had a tremendous influence on the aesthetic and fashion trends of the day. By 1887 (the year this brooch was hallmarked), she was 68 years old—a serious, matronly presence—and had been mourning the death of her beloved Albert for over 25 years. Thus, her personal style tended to be somber, sober and straight-forward (like the woman herself). Girlish frivolity played no part in her expressed personality or image. And the nation followed her lead. This is not to say that Late Victorian aesthetics were not visually appealing. Indeed, some of Englands handsomest architecture, decoration and jewelry were made during the second half of her reign.
A few words about the Chester hallmark are warranted. For three decades I've been traveling to England and buying British silver. I will sometimes ask the dealer to read the hallmark to me. When a piece (occasionally) is found to bear the Chester Assay Office's hallmark, it elicits a nostalgic, "Awwww. It's Chester!" This silver-testing office closed in 1962 which casts a romantic glow around anything which was hallmarked in this town. Chester is also quaintly picturesque—which conveys the feelings of holding a relic of a "golden age" of British craftsmanship. A Chester hallmark might imply a certain rarity; more than that, it conveys a wistful sense of a better time.
The silver brooch, shown above, is a perfect example of Victorian reserve meeting expressive design. Such period jewelry might better be described as "handsome" than "pretty." And it would look very nice accenting the lapel of a man's or woman's gray wool coat. Click on the phot above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.