14K Gold Georgian Mourning Pin with Purple Paste Stones

Circa 1820, this 14k gold pin would have been worn in the Georgian era as a way to memorialize someone. In its center, hair is woven tightly together to make a panel that looks almost like fabric. It is framed with paste stones that are a shade of deep purple, intended to imitate amethyst. The stones are hand faceted with high tables, collet set into 14k gold. Because of its age, the patina on this piece has blackened, which beautifully offsets the purple of the stones. 

The pin acid tests as 14k. The pin’s stem does not appear to be gold. There are 12 3.5 mm paste stones. The pin weighs 3.08 grams and is approximately 3/4” x 1/2”. 

This is a lovely piece of Mourning jewelry, with many beautiful elements of the Georgian era.