Archive for Wedgood
Mar
18
Wedgwood Brooches
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Wedgwood Brooch
One of the most popular type of antique or vintage brooches I get asked for is a Wedgwood Jasper cameo set brooch ( especially a Victorian one) just like in this picture. The central plaque of the brooch is made of Jasper a high fired ceramic. The design on this brooch has been created by sprigging. Sprigging starts with an artist carving the pattern and a mould being created in plaster from that master. A piece of the damp clay is pressed into the mould and then the image created is removed and applied to the background. The jasper type clay was invented by J. Wedgwood but the clay and using it in this manner for jewellery was copied by other makers.
Jasper Jewellery was made throughout both the 19th and 20th centuries. Originally the patterns were based on classical designs however during the 1970s and the 2000′s some more modern designs have been created. in fact during the last 10 years Wedgwood employed some big name jewellery designers to create up to date deigns for them.
How can I tell how old my Wedgwood Jasper brooch is?
Take a look on the back. If the brooch has an open back you may well see the word Wedgwood impressed. Wedgwood on its own without any other words could well be early to mid Victorian. “Wedgwood England” between 1880s and 1920s. “Wedgwood made in England” is usually post 1920s. Please note that on very small pieces there well may be no makers name and your brooch could still be Wedgwood.
Also take a look at the metal, this could have hallmarks which can be used to date your Wedgwood brooch or it may carry the JW makers hallmark in the silver or gold.
Care of Wedgwood Jasper Brooches.
The material is high fired ceramic and can be chipped or cracked so take care not to drop your brooch . Now take a look at the material the jasper is set into. If this is marked as silver or gold you can use a little water and a soft toothbrush to clean your brooch is it is very dirty. Pat the brooch dry and store where it cannot be damaged by other jewellery. you could wrap your brooch in a piece of acid free tissue paper.
If the metal is not hallmarked as gold or silver it could be made of a costume jewellery material and I suggest that you do not get this wet as it could become damaged. Just use a soft brush to clean.
Where to buy Wedgwood jasper Brooches.
AntiquesAvenue Antique and Vintage jewellery shop likes to carry a range of Wedgwood jasper jewelry including brooches. Other than this it is fun to hunt could your local antique fair or antiques center and you might get lucky. You can expect to pay between about £15 and several hundred pounds for your Wedgwood jasper brooch depending upon its age, the desirability of the cameo and the material into which it is set
Happy Hunting
Anne
