Antique Art Nouveau Rose Gold Lavalier

Antique Art Nouveau Lavalier in 9ct rose gold, circa 1890-1910. It is set with two pieces of "Paste". Size: 50mm (including bail) x 24mm. Paste, also called Stras, is a special type of flint glass that was difficult and labour intensive to produce. It had to be cut and polished by hand. It dates back to George Frederic Stras, who relocated from Strasbourg to Paris in1724 to work as a jeweller to king Louis of France. He was so successful that some in Parisian high society even considered Paste jewellery as superior to the real gemstones. Good quality antique paste jewellery are set in gold and are quite rare. It is classed as fine jewellery and not costume jewellery.