To buy or not to buy (Art Deco brooch)

[newtojewels]

I saw a brooch posted to Lang Antiques this morning and decided to make the trip there today to see it in person. I had never been there before but it was incredible! They have such an amazing collection, I could have easily spent the whole day there just looking at everything.

I have the brooch in question on hold now and would love the PS opinion. This would be my first antique piece and my first brooch.

Art Deco Floral Bar Brooch

Three lovely flowers all in a row sparkle brightly with an array of European, Swiss, and single-cut diamonds in the center of an exquisitely pierced, diamond-dotted frame, all creating a glittering dash of Art Deco ornament for your ensemble. Total diamond weight, 1.60 carats. Hand fabricated in...

www.langantiques.com

Photo on my wrist for scale:


Lang says it's 9.1g mainly in platinum with a 14k white gold pin and 1.6ctw of G/H/I VS/SI diamonds (0.55ctw for the three main OECs, the remaining 1.05ctw in melee). It's $2475. I know Lang won't ever be a deal, but I'm wondering what the experts think and if anyone has seen anything similar elsewhere. I really love the floral motifs, the simple outline, the negative space, and the size. I'm not sure how much I'll wear it because, again, I've never owned a brooch. It seems like it might be a reasonable candidate for a bracelet conversion worst case? And it definitely would work well on a ribbon as a choker and maybe even as a bracelet, though it might be just a little too long for that. I probably don't have enough hair to wear it as a barrette without professional help. I wear sweaters and scarves but not a lot of blazers or jackets -- though maybe that's worth changing for the right jewelry!

Thanks in advance for any advice

 

[Dreamer_D]

I would encourage you to buy a less expensive but lively piece as a starter brooch to see how you wear it before investing in an expensive piece like that.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

it is possibly similar to this but this one never photographs to its full potential



i would think up close it will not look like a name badge

Queen Camilla's Dazzling Diamond Christmas Brooch

When the British royal family gathered at Sandringham on Christmas Day for their traditional holiday celebration, the most sparkling jewel of all was an intriguing brooch worn by the Queen Consort. King Charles III and

www.thecourtjeweller.com

i think that the brooch you like is beautiful @newtojewels
but i woul want to wear it a few times as a brooch before i convert it

 

[Bron357]

It is very beautiful and not a bad price all considered.
I did a bracelet conversion with one I bought, much more modest than that stunner.
You could get a pendant attachment added for extra versatility but it would hang vertically and maybe too big.

 

[LilAlex]

I love it and I don't think that is unreasonable for this size and quality. I love the design and the little horseshoe motif at the poles. And it's cool how they styled it in the third photo.

I also like and trust Lang and their sale is nice, too! To be there in person must be a treat -- it's been a long time for me. One kid was just briefly back in SF and half-jokingly asked if they should check in on anything for me.

I say go for it!

 

[Joanne10]

I personally love it! But if you’re unsure about wearing brooches (or even this brooch), the suggestion of starting with a smaller/less expensive piece might be best.

Also… How much do you love it? Are you going to regret it if you don’t buy it or do you feel are there other similar pieces that are just as lovely? I think that’s also a factor to take into account when buying.

 

[nala]

I think it is gorgeous. Heirloom quality. The thing about these pieces—they are hard to come by. It would cost you more to have it made than 2475 and it would not be an antique. I shop pawn shops and even they know what they have and price them accordingly BUT bc brooches are hard to sell—they do negotiate the price and you can score a similar one for maybe half the price if you are patient and dedicated to shopping pawn shops.

 

[newtojewels]

I would encourage you to buy a less expensive but lively piece as a starter brooch to see how you wear it before investing in an expensive piece like that.

Yes, I agree that I would ideally do that! Especially because this isn't a LT purchase that I would be able to sell for anything like I paid for it. I worry about missing out on this one in particular if I do that, though.

it is possibly similar to this but this one never photographs to its full potential



i would think up close it will not look like a name badge

Queen Camilla's Dazzling Diamond Christmas Brooch

When the British royal family gathered at Sandringham on Christmas Day for their traditional holiday celebration, the most sparkling jewel of all was an intriguing brooch worn by the Queen Consort. King Charles III and

www.thecourtjeweller.com

i think that the brooch you like is beautiful @newtojewels
but i woul want to wear it a few times as a brooch before i convert it

It's much narrower than that one, but seems to be a similar size otherwise. I could be like royalty! And yes, I wouldn't convert it right away, just thinking of options if I get it and then don't end up wearing it as-is.

It is very beautiful and not a bad price all considered.
I did a bracelet conversion with one I bought, much more modest than that stunner.
You could get a pendant attachment added for extra versatility but it would hang vertically and maybe too big.

Stunning! I think I've seen your conversion before, Did you get it done in the US? It looks like they didn't need to bend it to make it work for you, this one I'm thinking of is 2" and my wrist is small so it would need to be curved some. I think people have recommended DK for the work?

I tried it as a vertical pendant and it was definitely too big to look right with the chain I had on. It might work with a chunkier chain and a deep V neckline, which I do actually wear, maybe I'll go back and see if they have anything I can try it with like that. I was also planning to bring some ribbon to try it as a choker and a bracelet.

I love it and I don't think that is unreasonable for this size and quality. I love the design and the little horseshoe motif at the poles. And it's cool how they styled it in the third photo.

I also like and trust Lang and their sale is nice, too! To be there in person must be a treat -- it's been a long time for me. One kid was just briefly back in SF and half-jokingly asked if they should check in on anything for me.

I say go for it!

If there's anything in particular you want to see, let me know! I'm obviously very happy to go back!

I do think the price seemed better than for some pieces they have, probably because brooches are harder to sell. But there's just something about this design in particular that I really like.

I personally love it! But if you’re unsure about wearing brooches (or even this brooch), the suggestion of starting with a smaller/less expensive piece might be best.

Also… How much do you love it? Are you going to regret it if you don’t buy it or do you feel are there other similar pieces that are just as lovely? I think that’s also a factor to take into account when buying.

I definitely love this brooch in particular and if I were to ever wear a brooch, this would be it. I've been living in SF for close to a year now and this was the piece that made me finally go in person to see it.

I think it is gorgeous. Heirloom quality. The thing about these pieces—they are hard to come by. It would cost you more to have it made than 2475 and it would not be an antique. I shop pawn shops and even they know what they have and price them accordingly BUT bc brooches are hard to sell—they do negotiate the price and you can score a similar one for maybe half the price if you are patient and dedicated to shopping pawn shops.

I was hoping you would weigh in because you're such a good pawn shop hunter! The problem of course is if similar is good enough -- there's something about the design of this one that I particularly love.

 

[nala]

@newtojewels the one certainty is that you will not find the exact one. Soooo. If you
Love it, go for it.

 

[dvj]

I saw a brooch posted to Lang Antiques this morning and decided to make the trip there today to see it in person. I had never been there before but it was incredible! They have such an amazing collection, I could have easily spent the whole day there just looking at everything.

I have the brooch in question on hold now and would love the PS opinion. This would be my first antique piece and my first brooch.

Art Deco Floral Bar Brooch

Three lovely flowers all in a row sparkle brightly with an array of European, Swiss, and single-cut diamonds in the center of an exquisitely pierced, diamond-dotted frame, all creating a glittering dash of Art Deco ornament for your ensemble. Total diamond weight, 1.60 carats. Hand fabricated in...

www.langantiques.com

Photo on my wrist for scale:


Lang says it's 9.1g mainly in platinum with a 14k white gold pin and 1.6ctw of G/H/I VS/SI diamonds (0.55ctw for the three main OECs, the remaining 1.05ctw in melee). It's $2475. I know Lang won't ever be a deal, but I'm wondering what the experts think and if anyone has seen anything similar elsewhere. I really love the floral motifs, the simple outline, the negative space, and the size. I'm not sure how much I'll wear it because, again, I've never owned a brooch. It seems like it might be a reasonable candidate for a bracelet conversion worst case? And it definitely would work well on a ribbon as a choker and maybe even as a bracelet, though it might be just a little too long for that. I probably don't have enough hair to wear it as a barrette without professional help. I wear sweaters and scarves but not a lot of blazers or jackets -- though maybe that's worth changing for the right jewelry!

Thanks in advance for any advice

I love it. And I love your style in general and how you only purchase the most beautiful pieces. If you love it too, and if you can swing it, I would. I don’t know enough about value to comment, but a brooch like that would make anything you wear look amazing.

 

[newtojewels]

I just went through all platinum antique brooches that showed up on my eBay search for under $4k, just to see. The 'good' news is that I don't have the same immediate reaction to any of these like I did for the Lang one:

Throwing the original photo back in again just to see everything close together:


My favorites from the eBay search:

2.2ctw for $2500:

Art Deco Platinum European Cut Diamond Marquise Shape Brooch Pin Appraisal | eBay

It does show the breakdown of diamonds. It has a locking C clasp and has been thoroughly tested as platinum. Brooch weighs 7.2 grams.

www.ebay.com

3.72ctw for $2500 -- I don't like this as much for me, but just to give high ctw at the same price as the Lang one:

Antique Platinum Emerald and Diamond 3.72CTW Brooch Bar Pin Pendant #J73416-1 | eBay

Featuring this beautiful piece that can be worn as a brooch or as a pendant. Do not miss your chance to own this exquisite piece. All weights are approximate. All diamonds and gemstones have been graded while set.

www.ebay.com

~3ctw for $3500 OBO:

Art Deco~Diamond+Sapphire Set Platinum 3+ Carats~Circle Bow Brooch / Pin~C. 1925 | eBay

Most unusual to find a delicate and fine antique Art Deco brooch of this circa 1925 period with 100% original. Very Pretty & Unique Art Deco Design with Ribbon Bow on top of Brooch with two layers or.

www.ebay.com

~1.6ctw for $1760 OBO:

BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE 1.60 TCW PLATINUM FILIGREE BROOCH W/ MINE CUT DIAMONDS | eBay

Lovely Antique Platinum Filigree Brooch with Mine Cut Diamonds. Beautiful Quality with Incredible Sparkle & Shine. This Piece is Not Stamped, but Tests as Platinum. Ready to Wear & Enjoy. All Stones Clarity SI1, Color H.

www.ebay.com

I also looked for ribbons and findings to make a simple ribbon choker or bracelet. I didn't find anyone on my brief Etsy search who had a plain cheap one, but I did at least find the supplies to make it myself. There's a fabric store near Lang with beautiful ribbon so I'll go there to get a yard first and then pop over to Lang to look again.

 

[lulu_ma]

This seems like a fair price-especially as potential bracelet conversion.

I have not done any comparison shopping, though...

 

[RRfromR]

It's so so gorgeous. @Bron357 I need one of those conversions for mine, do you have a link? If not, what should I ask for?

 

[lala646]

I think it's gorgeous! At least from the photos, I think the ct weight reads higher than what it is, so that's a plus. And clearly the quality is excellent, as is to be expected from Lang. I looked at TRR as well, and this is of higher quality than anything they have in a similar price range. If you're at peace with the fact it may have a pretty high cost per wear ratio, I vote yes!

 

[Lookinagain]

It's beautiful, but if you really think you would make it into a bracelet or bangle and it needed to be curved to fit, make sure that can be done safely. I had one made into a bangle years ago by Grace and she wanted to see the side profile to make sure it could be curved.
Here is mine, much more modest, but you can see the side view






Also, if I recall correctly @Mrsz1ppy purchased a beautiful brooch thinking she'd make a bangle/bracelet but was told it couldn't be curved. You could look for her posts about it if you're interested.

 

[glitterata]

Add me to the list of people who think you should start with a less expensive brooch to see how you like wearing brooches--unless you're someone for whom $2500 is not a big deal. There's a good chance it's not a good candidate for conversion to a bracelet. And conversions money too.

That is a gorgeous example of a platinum-and-diamond brooch from that era, and nobody today would make a new one for anything like that price, as is true of so many other antiques. But there are a fair number of similar brooches out there if you look patiently. I bought mine--same era, similar workmanship, different style--for well under a third of the price of that one:

Your Latest Jewelry Purchases/Things You're Considering....

I just bought an unheated 1.51 cushion color change sapphire from Multicolour. It's listed as color change but it looks more color shift to me. Blue to violet/purple. I've been wanting one for awhile.

www.pricescope.com

(In that post you can see me wearing it on my wrist on a black velvet ribbon, a good solution if you'd like to wear a brooch as a bracelet but can't or don't want to convert it.)

However, if you can afford it easily and your heart would break without those diamond flowers, go for it.

 

[Joanne10]

Yes, I agree that I would ideally do that! Especially because this isn't a LT purchase that I would be able to sell for anything like I paid for it. I worry about missing out on this one in particular if I do that, though.



It's much narrower than that one, but seems to be a similar size otherwise. I could be like royalty! And yes, I wouldn't convert it right away, just thinking of options if I get it and then don't end up wearing it as-is.


Stunning! I think I've seen your conversion before, Did you get it done in the US? It looks like they didn't need to bend it to make it work for you, this one I'm thinking of is 2" and my wrist is small so it would need to be curved some. I think people have recommended DK for the work?

I tried it as a vertical pendant and it was definitely too big to look right with the chain I had on. It might work with a chunkier chain and a deep V neckline, which I do actually wear, maybe I'll go back and see if they have anything I can try it with like that. I was also planning to bring some ribbon to try it as a choker and a bracelet.



If there's anything in particular you want to see, let me know! I'm obviously very happy to go back!

I do think the price seemed better than for some pieces they have, probably because brooches are harder to sell. But there's just something about this design in particular that I really like.



I definitely love this brooch in particular and if I were to ever wear a brooch, this would be it. I've been living in SF for close to a year now and this was the piece that made me finally go in person to see it.



I was hoping you would weigh in because you're such a good pawn shop hunter! The problem of course is if similar is good enough -- there's something about the design of this one that I particularly love.

@newtojewels, it sounds like you REALLY love this piece. I’ve looked on Etsy and found nothing similar. And all the nice ones were a lot more expensive. So if you’re comfortable with the price point, it sounds like you should go for it. It certainly is gorgeous and, given the vendor, I think you can be sure of its quality. Happy deciding!

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

Very pretty! If your heart races when you open the link to it… it at the possibility that it might be sold…. Then you should buy it

 

[Dreamer_D]

Ditto @glitterata and also I agree the design is unique and lovely.

 

[newtojewels]

This seems like a fair price-especially as potential bracelet conversion.

I have not done any comparison shopping, though...

It seems like the price is fair -- certainly not a deal, but I feel like I don't often get (or need to get!) "deals", I just want fair for the quality. I've mentioned this before, but the rubellite ring in my avatar was not a deal but I do think it was fair and I love it.

It's so so gorgeous. @Bron357 I need one of those conversions for mine, do you have a link? If not, what should I ask for?

Yes, isn't it? I'm going to hunt through Bron's posts to find more about it, will let you know if I find details!

I think it's gorgeous! At least from the photos, I think the ct weight reads higher than what it is, so that's a plus. And clearly the quality is excellent, as is to be expected from Lang. I looked at TRR as well, and this is of higher quality than anything they have in a similar price range. If you're at peace with the fact it may have a pretty high cost per wear ratio, I vote yes!

Yes, I do think it's a lot of look for the ctw. It doesn't look 'skimpy' the way some lower ctw brooches can while still having enough negative space to see the design. Thank you for looking at TRR! You know I'm a fan of them too and I took a quick skim and didn't see anything -- it's nice to have the double check!

It's beautiful, but if you really think you would make it into a bracelet or bangle and it needed to be curved to fit, make sure that can be done safely. I had one made into a bangle years ago by Grace and she wanted to see the side profile to make sure it could be curved.
Here is mine, much more modest, but you can see the side view






Also, if I recall correctly @Mrsz1ppy purchased a beautiful brooch thinking she'd make a bangle/bracelet but was told it couldn't be curved. You could look for her posts about it if you're interested.

Ah, good call, I'll look to see if I can find any of her posts on it. I don't remember what the side profile looks like and of course I wouldn't be able to evaluate it anyways. It seems like it would be more likely to convertible if it were just a hair shorter or if my wrist were a bit bigger....

Add me to the list of people who think you should start with a less expensive brooch to see how you like wearing brooches--unless you're someone for whom $2500 is not a big deal. There's a good chance it's not a good candidate for conversion to a bracelet. And conversions money too.

That is a gorgeous example of a platinum-and-diamond brooch from that era, and nobody today would make a new one for anything like that price, as is true of so many other antiques. But there are a fair number of similar brooches out there if you look patiently. I bought mine--same era, similar workmanship, different style--for well under a third of the price of that one:

Your Latest Jewelry Purchases/Things You're Considering....

I just bought an unheated 1.51 cushion color change sapphire from Multicolour. It's listed as color change but it looks more color shift to me. Blue to violet/purple. I've been wanting one for awhile.

www.pricescope.com

(In that post you can see me wearing it on my wrist on a black velvet ribbon, a good solution if you'd like to wear a brooch as a bracelet but can't or don't want to convert it.)

However, if you can afford it easily and your heart would break without those diamond flowers, go for it.

$2500 isn't a huge huge deal but it also isn't nothing. There are a few other pieces that I've had my eye on that this would need to replace (one of which being a French cut band I purchased and returned when it had some undisclosed damage but am still watching....).

Thank you for the photo on a ribbon, that's very helpful! Your brooch is lovely and seems like it was a great price!

@newtojewels, it sounds like you REALLY love this piece. I’ve looked on Etsy and found nothing similar. And all the nice ones were a lot more expensive. So if you’re comfortable with the price point, it sounds like you should go for it. It certainly is gorgeous and, given the vendor, I think you can be sure of its quality. Happy deciding!

I do really extra love it. I love florals in general, love this era in jewelry, and I think it has some similarities to other pieces I've admired over the years. I feel confident in the quality, it's more the usability for me (which of course no one here can answer except me!) and a sanity check on the price being fair.

Very pretty! If your heart races when you open the link to it… it at the possibility that it might be sold…. Then you should buy it

Yes -- and it has grabbed my heart more than a lot of other pieces have. I spent a while looking at everything in the store and kept going back to this, even considering pieces up to $5k. But I wanted to at least sleep on it and make sure I wasn't getting too caught up in a feeling.

Ditto @glitterata and also I agree the design is unique and lovely.

Thank you for the advice, as always! I think of you as being my good shoulder angel -- I don't always take your advice but I do always at least consider it! And thank you for being such a great member of the community. I've said this before, but I remember seeing your posts when I was just a lurker in the late 2000's and the 2010's. I feel like I kind of grew up with you as my antique jewelry guide!

 

[kgizo]

I really like it and the design is unique. Since you wear sweaters and scarves I think you would get a lot of opportunities to style it. If you find you don’t wear it much would you want to wear it as a pendant?

 

[peachster]

I’m in love with it and the price seems right for that quality. I am also one who feels that we often buy sort of starter or test pieces rather than something special, and then move on with all those starter pieces sitting in a box. Buy quality, buy something that is a worthy investment of your passion. I never regret those types of purchases. What you love is best.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

It's beautiful, but do the diamonds look like a newer make in this Art Deco brooch? Is it just my eyes?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Thank you for the advice, as always! I think of you as being my good shoulder angel -- I don't always take your advice but I do always at least consider it!

Mostly I think it’s just me being cheap and having such a low bar for what I would/could spend on bling. I understand that people vary a lot in this though! So of course adjust my comments to your own circumstances.

And thank you for being such a great member of the community. I've said this before, but I remember seeing your posts when I was just a lurker in the late 2000's and the 2010's. I feel like I kind of grew up with you as my antique jewelry guide!

Aren’t you kind. It’s hard to believe I’ve been on PS for 17 years! The community has changed a lot in that time — social media and lab diamonds for one have really altered the landscape of how people buy jewels and interact online — but I’m enjoying taking part again. Even though a forum like this is super old fashioned given how most people engage online now, I think it has real benefits you don’t get on IG for example. Like the back archive of all those millions of posts. I love that my old posts are still being read today and maybe helping some people.

And I appreciate you sharing your bling adventures! I’ve said before that following other people’s journeys is how I tame my own appetite. I can’t possibly buy everything I would like! But I really love taking part in others’ projects.

 

[Dreamer_D]

It's beautiful, but do the diamonds look like a newer make in this Art Deco brooch? Is it just my eyes?

The large ones at least look like transitional which would put them in the 20s to late 30s which feels appropriate?

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

The large ones at least look like transitional which would put them in the 20s to late 30s which feels appropriate?

I think my eyes are going! I was squinting so hard

 

[Mrsz1ppy]

It's beautiful, but if you really think you would make it into a bracelet or bangle and it needed to be curved to fit, make sure that can be done safely. I had one made into a bangle years ago by Grace and she wanted to see the side profile to make sure it could be curved.
Here is mine, much more modest, but you can see the side view






Also, if I recall correctly @Mrsz1ppy purchased a beautiful brooch thinking she'd make a bangle/bracelet but was told it couldn't be curved. You could look for her posts about it if you're interested.

This is true. Can you imagine my sad face?

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think my eyes are going! I was squinting so hard

You gotta zoom!

 

[Lookinagain]

I think my eyes are going! I was squinting so hard

It happens

 

[newtojewels]

This is true. Can you imagine my sad face?

Have you decided what to do with your stunning brooch? I think I saw that yours is 4" long and the one I'm considering is only 2" so that might make the Lang one a bit more feasible than yours if I want to convert it later....