This beautiful brooch is incredibly unusual, it is called a 'Kondakoora' hairpin. These pins were worn by women in Sri Lanka from the 18th century to the early 20th century. A 'kondakoora' is identified by the arrow shaped end and boteh shaped finial.

The pin is set in silver with highlights of silver gilt. Silver gilt is silver with a gold colour of the top. The piece is set with rose-cut jargoons, also known as 'Matara diamonds'. These pale blue stones were used to imitate diamonds but they are actually blue zircon. They sit alongside a ruby and four pink sapphires.

This piece would have been a hairpin and it was converted into a brooch.

ERA

1900

HALLMARKS

None, tested Silver

MEASUREMENT

The pin measures 9.7cm / 3.8" in length and 2.7cm / 1" in width.

WEIGHT

15.19g

CONDITION

The pin is in excellent antique condition.

SKU

5537