Fabulous Victorian c1880 Detailed Floral Foliage Pique Inlay Brooch

An exquisite antique pique brooch dating back to the Victorian era, circa 1880! The pique artisan-ship is the minute bits of gold and silver delicately inlaid into the tortoiseshell - a now lost decorative art dating to the 17th and 18th century, then later into the 19th century revived and seen in jewellery. The brooch exhibits a stunning floral foliage vine design in gold and silver, difficult to test albeit generally 9k gold or higher and sterling silver. The brooch is a wonderful example of the pique art form! The pique art form is meticulously hand inlaid into the rich brown tortoiseshell. Adding further elegance is the convex shape of the frontal side of the tortoiseshell, the reverse is concave. A gold-tone pin and 'c' loop attaches to the back. A collectible all unto itself, a future heirloom to be shown on the collar or scarf ... easily suiting with today's styles!