Edwardian Style 14K Two-Tone Gold Puffy Heart Clover Lavaliere Brooch
Brooch/Pendant Hybrid (Lavaliere) · Two-Tone: Yellow Gold central clover motif with White Gold or Platinum-topped silver halo and connector bars.
Purity: Estimated 14K (585 fine). Contains 58.5% pure gold alloyed with silver and copper. Surface patina suggests solid gold rather than plating, though lower-karat European alloys were common for this era.
Type
Brooch/Pendant Hybrid (Lavaliere)
Purity
Estimated 14K (585 fine). Contains 58.5% pure gold alloyed with silver and copper. Surface patina suggests solid gold rather than plating, though lower-karat European alloys were common for this era.
Gold Type
Two-Tone: Yellow Gold central clover motif with White Gold or Platinum-topped silver halo and connector bars.
Weight
8 to 12 grams. The central hearts appear to be hollow-form (puffy) to maintain size without excessive weight, while the pin mechanism and halo add structural mass.
Description
An elegant Edwardian-era lavaliere brooch featuring a suspended four-leaf clover composed of four 'puffy' yellow gold hearts. This central motif is framed by a delicate white metal halo set with refractive white stones, hanging from a matching stone-set horizontal bar. The piece exhibits the fine balanced aesthetic of early 20th-century romantic jewelry.
Key Features
Puffy heart-shaped petals forming a lucky clover; two-tone metal contrast; kinetic 'swing' movement of the pendant drop; typical Edwardian stone-set border.
Color & Finish
Deep warm yellow gold hearts with a soft satin-to-polished patina; the white metal frame features a high-polish finish with significant oxidation in recessed areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the primary image. Likely located on the reverse of the central clover or the pin stem. Typically includes '585' or '14K' and a small maker's mark.
Dimensions Estimate
Overall length: 45mm; Width: 28mm (circular drop). Fits the 'standard' brooch size for lapel or blouse placement.
Gemstones & Inlays
Small round-cut stones grain-set throughout the halo and top bar. These are likely White Sapphires, Rose-cut Diamonds, or Paste (glass) depending on the specific manufacturing tier.
Clasp & Closure
Horizontal safety pin style with a simple C-clasp or revolving safety catch on the top bar. The drop is connected via a jump ring to allow kinetic movement.
Chain & Links
Static structural connector bars with two marquise-shaped stations linked by small jump rings, providing flexibility between the pin bar and the pendant.
Craftsmanship Details
Features die-stamped hollow yellow gold components soldered to a hand-finished white metal frame. The stone settings are precisely aligned, indicating a professional workshop production.
Authentication Indicators
Solder points are consistent with manual assembly; color transition between yellow and white gold is sharp; pin assembly style matches early 20th-century standards.
Origin & Maker
Likely Western European (German or Austrian) or American. The 'puffy heart' design was a staple of late Victorian and Edwardian sentimental jewelry manufacturers.
Era & Period
Edwardian to early Art Deco (circa 1910-1925). Indicated by the combination of romantic heart/clover motifs and the transition to white metal decorative accents.
Age Estimate
Circa 1915-1930. The design bridges Victorian sentimentality with the geometric precision that preceded the Art Deco movement.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Sentimental Jewelry' movement where motifs like hearts (love) and clovers (luck) were used as visual shorthand for the wearer's emotions or wishes.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. The yellow gold shows a soft aged luster; stones appear intact although one or two may have darkened. The white metal shows some characteristic darkening (tarnish/patina).
Value Estimate
$450 - $750 USD. Value is driven by antique collectible appeal and design rather than raw melt value, which is estimated at $280-$350 based on current gold prices.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft brush and mild soapy water only. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners as the stones may be foil-backed or delicate. Use a dedicated gold polishing cloth for the clover.
Similar Items
Victorian gold-filled lockets, Art Nouveau enamel clovers, or modern 18K white gold diamond circles by brands like Tiffany & Co.
Interesting Facts
Four-leaf clovers were often used in 'mizpah' or sentimental jewelry of this era to represent luck, hope, and faith between lovers or friends.