There is no discoloration of this photo; the white on the upper left of the pin is just camera glare

Edwardian Photo Pin With Stras & Enamel Frame

NWS 13-909

~ "Stras" (or Strasse) is the name of the Frenchman who, in the late 18th century, invented a new type of glass that was essentially a mixture of complex borosillicate of lead and potassium. It was used in the manufacture of artificial gemstones because of its extraordinary brilliance. Finding stras (or "paste" as it is also sometimes called, although the term "paste" is often misused and misunderstood) these days is uncommon. It is prized by collectors.

~ This old photo of a beautiful woman was lovingly hand-tinted, as was the custom of the day, to give her a very pale, rosy blush to her cheeks

~ Her hair is swept up into a soft bun, the classic Edwardian hairdo of her day

~ She wears a brooch at the neck of her lacy white, high collar blouse

~ The photo is framed in brass, and attached to this is an outer ring of hand-painted enameled leaves in colors of red, fading to a soft rose color

~ Each leaf is attached to the next, from one leaf tip to the next leaf stem, all the way around, forming a lovely halo, with open spaces between the leaves and the brass frame, creating an airy, cut-out appearance

~ In between each leaf are clear faceted rhinestone crystals; 2 or 3 have darkened slightly, but I wouldn't dare replace them; bright and shiny just wouldn't be right for this lovely antique piece

~ The standard "C" hook and pin stem were replaced at a later date, probably by an heir long ago. This was commonly done for safety purposes.

~ Measures 1.25" diameter

c. 1900, in excellent condition

Price = $167.00