Berlin Iron Berlin iron is a black-lacquered cast iron material used in jewelry making beginning c. 1790. Originating in Silesia, Prussia at the Gleiwitz Foundry, the Royal Berlin Foundry and a manufacturer in Horovice, Bohemia all produced jewelry in this manner. The...
Victorian Hair Bodkin. Bodkin A bodkin is a hairpin worn by Renaissance ladies to keep long hair in a knot at the rear of the head. Eventually, the bodkin evolved into...
C Pin Catch A C pin catch is a loop of wire, shaped like the letter “C”, soldered onto the reverse of a brooch or pin providing a stopper for the pinstem thus securing the brooch to the fabric. This basic catch represented the pinnacle of technology for...
Cannetille Pink Topaz & Chrysoberyl Cannetille Gold Cross c.1830. Cannetille is a close relative of filigree work. It typically features fine gold wires or thinly hammered sheets. Jewelry with cannetille was very popular in the 1820’s and 1830’s....
Late-19th Century Diamond Ten Ray Catherine Wheel Brooch. Catherine Wheel Brooch A Catherine wheel brooch has a central hub and at least eight radiating spokes. The name comes from its resemblance to the St. Catherine torture wheel (also known as a breaking wheel.)...
