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Georgian Green & White Paste Halley's Comet Brooch

$750

Halley's comet has been observed for millennia, and for centuries it was thought to foretell doom. In the year 989, an Anglo-Saxon monk wrote of the comet: "You've come, you source of tears to many mothers. It is long since I saw you; but as I see you now you are much more terrible, for I see you brandishing the downfall of my country." Roughly 1000 years later, this brooch was made to commemorate the 1835 passing of Halley's comet. People weren't afraid this time, because astronomers - namely, Edmond Halley - had scientific evidence that the comet was coming. People were pretty confident they were about to witness a meteorological event, not a sign from an angry God(dess.) Jewelers produced large numbers of comet pieces, like this one fashioned in 14k gold with green and white paste, in celebration.

thedetails

  • Materials

    14k gold (tests), green & white paste

  • Age

    c. 1835

  • Condition

    Very good

  • Size

    7/8" x 1/4"

Georgian

Aboutthe

GeorgianEra

17141837

please note:Terms of Sale

Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.

RelatedHistory Lesson

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