Identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
The '56' zolotnik hallmark clearly visible on the clasp confirms Imperial Russian origin and 14k gold purity, dating it prior to the Soviet era. The bar brooch form with a scalloped openwork cartouche is stylistically consistent with the late Victorian to Edwardian periods.
Story
The '56' zolotnik hallmark confirms this piece was crafted in Imperial Russia prior to the 1917 revolution. The presence of a fitted box from Gibson & Co. Ltd in Belfast suggests the piece was either retailed there originally as an import or, more likely, rehoused by a subsequent British owner after leaving Russia. The market for Imperial Russian jewelry remains highly stratified. Pieces with legible, documented workmaster marks command massive premiums at international auction.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the description, the brooch features a vibrant, undamaged central opal with strong play-of-color. The overall presentation is enhanced by the fitted leather and velvet case. A full mechanical assessment of the pin stem and clasp, as well as verification of the gold weight, is pending.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The market for Imperial Russian jewelry remains highly stratified. Pieces with legible, documented workmaster marks command massive premiums at international auction. Unattributed pieces, however, trade primarily on their intrinsic material value, aesthetic appeal, and the historical novelty of the '56' hallmark, finding steady demand among antique jewelry collectors.
▲ Confirmed Imperial Russian '56' zolotnik hallmark establishes pre-1917 origin
▲ Vibrant central opal with strong play-of-color elevates intrinsic value
▲ Included period-correct fitted jeweler's box enhances presentation and collectibility
▼ Illegible maker's mark prevents attribution to a premium workshop, capping the current estimate
▼ Unverified total gold weight limits the ability to calculate the baseline intrinsic material floor
▼ Unverified pin stem and clasp mechanics; any required solder repairs would discount value
Best Venue
To maximize return, prioritize obtaining a high-resolution macro photograph of the small stamps adjacent to the '56' hallmark. If a notable maker is identified, consign to a specialist antique jewelry or Russian works of art auction. If it remains unattributed, list with a high-end vintage jewelry retailer.
Upside Potential
If a macro photograph reveals the maker's mark belongs to a celebrated Russian workmaster (such as August Holmström or Oskar Pihl), the valuation would shift dramatically into the $5,000–$10,000+ tier.
Authenticity Risk
mediumImperial Russian jewelry is heavily counterfeited, with spurious '56' marks frequently added to generic Victorian or Edwardian pieces to inflate value. While the construction and box appear period-appropriate, authentication of the hallmark's exact punch shape and the adjacent assayer/maker marks is highly recommended before a high-value sale.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.