Description
Date: second half of 18th century, probably 1760-80s
Materials: natural imperial topaz (all gems tested), silver, solid 18k yellow gold (unmarked; tested with electronic gold tester & nitric-muriatic acid)
Workmanship origin: Portugal
Weight: 14.9 grams
Diameter of flower heads: 25.8 mm and 25.3 mm
Dimension of topaz: two 7.5 mm circular, five 5.25 x 4.25 mm triangular, five 5.5 x 4.5 mm triangular, ten 4 x 3.8 mm trapezoidal, ten 7.4 x 4.5 mm kite rhombus
Approx. carat weight: 11 ctw (1.35 x 2 + 0.42 x 5 + 0.24 x 5 + 0.24 x 10 + 0.24 (0.5) x 10 + 0.3(0.5) x 10)
Condition: one of the center circular topaz appears to have been re-foiled, leading to a brighter appearance. Earring backs are later additions. Age-related surface wear, facet junction abrasions to the topaz (not noticeable with naked eye; visible at 40x loupe magnification). Just one topaz has a tiny 0.6 mm surface nibble/chip. Some oxidation and tarnish to the silver.