Antique French Paste Rhinestone Gilded Bar Brooch

Antique French Paste Rhinestone Gilded Bar Brooch

Antique French gilded engraved bar brooch with three prong set very shiny paste stones. This simple and elegant brooch is from the late 19th century or very early 20th century. 

The closure is a typical C clasp. 

It is in good vintage condition considering its age. The pin at the back is slightly bent as it was often used to gather thick fabric. 

A wonderful "something old" gift for a wedding or a great addition to any antique collection. 

Dimensions: length 2 3/4"  width 1/8"

What is Paste? Paste is a special type of cut glass which emulates a variety of gemstones. In antique jewelry, lead glass was most used, since the denser the material, the higher the refractive index and the greater the dispersion.  

Paste jewelry dates to France during the 18th century when a jeweler named Georges Frederic Stras began hand crafting fine-quality Paste jewelry in 1724. He was quickly then appointed as “Jeweler to the King” and began making Paste jewelry for King Louis XV of France.  

The popularity of Paste jewelry quickly rocketed, with the appeal being that it was almost impossible to tell the difference between Paste and the real thing. In fact, in most cases Paste looked and sparkled better!  

Paste jewels were also often more labor intensive to craft than Gemstone jewelry, as the Paste glass had to be expertly cut and polished by hand. This made the appeal even greater with many in Parisian high society deeming Paste jewelry superior to the real thing!