A large, Victorian, gold-rush-era brooch, modeled as a chef's knife, cutting an orange in half. This offers a big metaphor, alongside its obvious beauty, when you consider the violence of the knife and the sweetness of the fruit. Of course, the design may be occupational in origin, made for a chef, or an orchardist. The inlay work is masterful. The orange is textured in a inventive and realistic way. Metal is 14k gold. This was probably made in California, in the United States.

Materials

14k gold
Naturally occurring gold in quartz

Age

c. 1880

Condition 

Excellent

The original c-clasp has been removed and replaced with a locking clasp; if you would like the c-clasp restored, please contact me. Hinge and pin are original.

Dimensions

Measures