Boucher Sterling Vermeil Sailfish Brooch

NWS 2-1428

~ During World War II, costume jewelry designers were obliged to use sterling silver for their jewelry, as all other metals had been restricted for the war effort. Therefore, this solid sterling silver brooch has been plated with a soft gold vermeil. There is no loss of the vermeil. Because the metal is reflective, the camera picked up colors from around the room. The gold coating is in near  mint condition!

~ The first thing that catches your eye is his magnificent dorsal fin. Fanning out above the back of the fish, his "sail" is studded with bezel-set, faceted, faux rubies. These five crystals are faceted on both the fronts and backs. They are in open-backed settings, without foil. These stones are really interesting. When placed against a dark background, they appear to be faux rubies. But if you hold the brooch up to a sunny window, the stones look like vivid amethysts, but with an intense fuchsia color.

~ The fish's eye is depicted with a faux ruby cabochon.

~ The body is covered in large, faux turquoise cabochons, with a double row close to his head, and tapering to a single row down to his tail.

~ Tucked behind his dorsal fin is another smaller fin, also called a dorsal fin. Yes, fish can have two dorsals! And note how his tail fins are rippled (not flat).

~ This graceful fish brooch measures slightly under 2" wide and slightly over 2.5" high.

c. 1943, in excellent condition.

Price = $389.00, or 1 layaway payment of $155 and 2 payments of $117. Read about the Fabulous Facets Layaway Program here. b3, a-c 2