Antique Petrified Mastodon Tusk & Gold Nugget Brooch

The Alaskan gold rushes inspired a unique jewelry style. Gold nugget and gold quartz jewels were abundant, as in the California gold rushes, but the Alaskan rushes unearthed exotic materials like petrified mastodon and walrus tusks and teeth that were integrated into the genre. This brooch is a classic example of an Alaska gold rush jewel, with petrified mastodon tusk framed in pure gold nuggets. A capsule-shaped piece of polished tusk is bezel set within an oval 14k gold brooch. The tusk is wonderfully striped, reminiscent of a tiger. 24k gold nuggets create a very luxurious border around the bezel. This piece is finished with the c-clasp common to this era. Circa 1880.

Details.....The brooch measures 1.5" by 0.55". In Very Good Antique Condition. You should always expect some wear on your vintage and antique jewels; we consider it part of their charm.

Item #P2653