C. 1780. An exceptional quality Georgian black dot diamond paste feather brooch. This is a textbook example of the craft at its finest- the black dot paste stones shimmer so magnificently that it is difficult to distinguish them from natural diamonds. In the Georgian era, fine quality paste jewelry was crafted by master jewelers with the exact same rigor as diamonds and precious gemstones. Aristocrats and royalty routinely commissioned paste pieces alongside their diamond collections, as the material allowed for subtle color nuances, size flexibility, and custom cuts impossible to achieve with natural gemstones during the period. 

This large feather brooch features old-cut paste stones set in traditional closed collets with foiled backs. The foil-backing technique reflects light to enhance the vivid fire of each stone. The jeweler delicately hand-painted a small black dot onto the lower facet of each stone, which- when viewed from above- beautifully and cleverly mimics the deep culet shadow of an old-cut diamond. The brooch is period-correctly crafted in silver (both front and back) with a gold brooch bar and clasp (high karat). The pin features an ingenious double-locking mechanism with the c-clasp, thoughtfully contoured to follow the curve of the feather- a subtle touch of craftsmanship that adds to its beauty.

With a substantial weight of 32.20 grams, this piece feels wonderful in hand and looks absolutely stunning pinned to a sweater, jacket or worn as a gorgeous hair piece. Found in London, and English in origin, it remains in excellent antique condition with a natural silver patina.