DATE: Victorian, c.1880

Here, for me, two passions collide: astronomy and antique jewellery. The brooch is modelled after the likeness of the Southern Cross, a constellation visible in the Southern Hemisphere at the southern end of the Milky Way's visible band. Also known as Crux, it comprises four main stars with apparent magnitude of 2.8 (ie really bright), and although the smallest of the 88 modern constellations, it's attained a high level of cultural significance in many Southern Hemisphere cultures. The stars are alpha-Crucis at the southern most tip, then beta-Crucis, gamma-Crucis, delta-Crucis, and epsilon-Crucis (aka Ginan) located within the cross's asterism. This brooch was likely made in Australia, being stylistically very English in design and execution, I'd say it was made by an English jeweller who emigrated to Australia during the 19th century. It's crafted in 9 karat gold; each of the five stars represented by a faceted pyrope garnet. 

STONES 

Garnet

MEASUREMENTS 

5.6 x 3.8cm

WEIGHT 

3.3g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 9k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, with fine antique patina