1880s French Saphiret Glass Floral Brooch

This exquisite floral brooch hails from 1880s France, crafted entirely from brass and adorned with cut glass and Saphiret glass. The design features a simple yet beautiful small flower, with five petals encircling a clear, faceted glass center that acts as the stamen. The prong-setting of the central stone creates a delicate, lace-like border that enhances the visual appeal. What truly sets this little flower apart is the indescribable, dreamlike hue of its petals. This brick-red material, known as Saphiret glass, shimmers with blue undertones, shifting from a brownish-purple to a dusty pink depending on the light. This unique glass gem began production in the mid-19th century in Gablonz, a renowned jewelry hub in Bohemia (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire). The manufacturing process involved dripping liquid gold into sapphire-colored glass, resulting in gems with mesmerizing pink-orange and blue iridescent tones. Due to its nature as glass, Saphiret was typically set in silver, gold-filled, or lower-karat gold pieces. However, by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rising gold prices made the production of Saphiret glass economically unviable. The material ceased production, and its formula was gradually lost. The limited production period of roughly half a century, combined with its unique color and desirability among collectors, has made Saphiret glass exceptionally rare and highly valued. While German manufacturers attempted to replicate this glass in the 1950s, producing what is known as "sappharine," and modern costume jewelry sometimes uses gold foil to mimic its shifting colors, true Saphiret glass retains an unparalleled historical luminescence. The brooch is in good antique condition, showing normal signs of oxidation and wear consistent with a piece over a century old; it is not a new item. Origin: France Year: 1880s Material: Brass Gemstone: Saphiret Glass Dimensions: 1.7x1.7x0.5 cm Weight: 2.1g Condition: Good antique condition, with normal oxidation and signs of wear. This is a century-old antique piece, not a new item. Important Information: Antique jewelry refers to pieces that are "over a hundred years old." Items less than a century old are classified as vintage or second-hand jewelry. All items sold by Xiangcheng Antique Jewelry come with a brand certificate detailing the era, materials, and other specifics of the jewelry. We offer a full refund if the item does not match the certificate. Each item's condition is meticulously recorded using photographic equipment before sale to ensure customers are fully aware of any imperfections or signs of wear. These photographs form an integral part of the product description. Therefore, please carefully evaluate your purchase intent before checkout. Once the checkout process is complete, due to the unique nature of our products, we regret that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for any reason, including minor flaws or signs of age. We kindly ask all customers to confirm their purchase decision thoroughly before finalizing their order to avoid any disputes. Shipping Methods: Enjoy "free shipping on any single item purchase" for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. All shipments within Taiwan will be sent via registered post by Chunghwa Post. If you are unable to receive registered mail, please note your preferred convenience store pickup (7-11 or Family Mart) and provide the store name or code with your order. Shipments to Hong Kong and Macau will be sent via SF Express.