Antique Watch Cock Brooch set with rose cut Garnets

From the 14th to the 18th-century watches were as elaborate inside as out. The watch movements were handcrafted, and they created these elaborate watch cocks, no 2 were ever the same. They often incorporated mythical creatures, ancient gods and highly detailed filigree in the design. The most common metal used was what we refer to as jewelers brass. By the mid 18th century new escapements emerged which enabled watchmakers to craft thinner less bulky watches, and the earlier bulky watches fell out of favor. Many of the earlier watches were broken apart for their materials, the silver, gold, and gems re-purposed. This left only the movements, with the elaborate watch cocks, since they were not made of precious metal they had no intrinsic value. But they did have the value of beauty. And so the fashion of watch cock jewelry emerged in the late Georgian and early Victorian era.

This lovely watch cock brooch has rose cut garnets burr set in the original screw holes. It has engraved feathers and elaborate cut through filigree design with a flower at the center and a mythical creature peeking over the bottom edge.

Sale items are final, no returns, no refunds.

Materials: Jewelers brass, and garnets.

Measurements: 1.38" x .82"

Condition: Excellent for its age.

Era: The watch cock, 18th century. Made into a brooch in the early 1800's. The clasp was changed to a safety clap in the 20th century.