Art Nouveau Citrine Brooch

An ember-like orange citrine glows from within a tangle of intertwining, leafy tendrils while two small pearls add a luminous accent.  This elegant Art Nouveau brooch was created by Hayden W. Wheeler & Co. in 14kt gold circa 1900.

On the back of the brooch can be seen the layered intricacy of the design and how the jewel was carefully crafted to give a sense of depth while supporting the leafy tendrils and gemstones.  Also, note the sturdy pin stem and early safety clasp that help secure the brooch when worn.  With antique jewels it is often the small, unseen details that best illustrate the care and skill with which the piece was created.

The maker's mark of Hayden W. Wheeler (a large "W" enclosing a small "H" and a small "W") is displayed on a small plaque on the upper reverse.  The "14" and "K" flanking the maker's mark indicate the purity of the gold used to create the brooch.  The Hayden W. Wheeler workshop created elegant brooches and other fine jewels from its founding in the mid 1800s until the early 1930s.

Name:  Art Nouveau Citrine and Pearls

Cost: $625

Measurements:  This 14kt gold and citrine brooch 1 1/8" long by 11/16" wide.  It weighs 3.4 grams.