Antique early Victorian starburst brooch diamonds gold silver original box (7712)

Antique Victorian Transitional starburst diamond brooch. Silver, gold, diamonds. Made in England. Made circa 1840-1870, with some features suggesting a transition from the late Georgian into the Victorian era. Unisex - can be worn by a man or a woman. Comes with original, Victorian fitted box. Measurements: Weight is 12.6 grams. 1 5/8 inches across (4.13cm). Total weight of diamonds 3.10ct with largest diamond approximately 0.61ct Description : Exceptional starburst brooch. It has no less than 20 'rays' radiating from the domed center. The rays are set alternately higher and lower, creating a layered, three-dimensional effect. Each ray is very finely set with old European cut diamonds. Diamonds are mounted in silver, which is set over a layer of gold. This was the norm during the Georgian and Victorian era as diamonds were shown off to better glistening effect in candle or gas light. To protect the wearer's clothes and skin from tarnish, the silver was backed by a layer of gold. The central Old Mine Cut diamond is unusually big and high, making a statement and focal point to the brooch. The back is beautifully crafted - like a modern, geometric design of overlapping concentric circles and triangles. It has the remnants of a mechanism that would have been used to screw the brooch onto another jewel, such as a tiara or necklace. It is no longer convertible as the pin is now permanently fixed - possibly by a Victorian replacement. The square, domed box has black leather on the outside with simple gold embossing and a brass clasp in good working order. Inside, the lid is silk while the bottom is velvet with a metal catch to hold the brooch in place. Marks and Metal: No marks, as is to be expected from jewelry from this period. Gold was electronically tested with typical antique gold purity of 14k and silver. Inside lid is embossed in gold letters: 'John Churcher Watchmaker & Jeweller 6 Victoria Building Bournemouth'. Condition: One ray has a tiny curl to its point. The rest of the brooch has negligible wear commensurate with age. Box with minor wear to edges and to velvet bottom lining. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. THE STORY: Starburst jewelry goes back as long ago as the 17th century. From about 1700, it gained in popularity, often forming part of a parure or jewelry set and worn on the bodice or tiara. During the Victorian era, starburst jewelry increased in popularity especially after Jules Verne's book, 'From the earth to the moon' was published in 1865. Starburst jewelry was worn in every conceivable way, often with a mechanism to convert the jewel from one form to another, such as the case with our brooch. Independent appraisal available to new owner.