This is an early-19th-century Iberian bow brooch built from clustered topaz and delicate metalwork. The stylized ribbon has flared, scalloped “loops” and long trailing ends outlined in closely set, hand-cut topaz stones. Each gem is individually foiled and mounted, creating a continuous glittering contour rather than a single focal stone. The style is consistent with Iberian workmanship from around 1800, when jewelers leaned on mixed metals and pale topazes to imitate the icy brilliance of diamonds.
MATERIALS: silver, 10k gold (tests), 25 topazes of varying sizes
AGE: c. 1800
CONDITION: Very good - pin is a replacement
SIZE: 1 3/8" x 1"