Antique French 18K, Portrait & Guilloche Enamel & Rose diamond Brooch c. 1880.
1-1/8th inches across, this fine antique enamel brooch of a maiden with both portrait enamel and guilloche enamel. There are 16 rose cut diamonds, set in silver as was the custom at this time, decorating her hat and dress. This brooch has the original C clasp that works well. there are French hallmarks stamped on the clasp.
This is a fine example of a 19th Century enamel brooch as evident of the detailed portrait and guilloche enamel and the attention given to the execution of the maiden. Notice the lace which has not only wonderful detail but the artist achieved a lightness of the lace so that one can see her brown hair underneath the lace in other places. Notice the delicate shading of her face, slight creases around her nose, and the expression in her eyes. This was hand painted by a gifted artist - portrait enamel at its best.