Expedition With Jones

Prepare yourself, because this is not your average Czech brooch — this is a monumental 1920s Art Deco Czech masterpiece, an oversized, opulent explosion of filigree work and uranium satin glass.

Prepare yourself, because this is not your average Czech brooch — this is a monumental 1920s Art Deco Czech masterpiece, an oversized, opulent explosion of filigree work and uranium satin glass.

Regular price R 521.00 ZAR
Regular price R 695.00 ZAR Sale price R 521.00 ZAR
Sale Sold out

ULTRA RARE & MUSEUM-WORTHY FIND!

Prepare yourself, because this is not your average Czech brooch — this is a monumental 1920s Art Deco Czech masterpiece, an oversized, opulent explosion of filigree work and uranium satin glass that deserves to live in a collector’s cabinet of wonders.

Crafted by skilled Bohemian artisans almost a century ago, the brooch is made in rich golden brass, shaped into a highly intricate openwork frame of swirling early Art Deco floral motifs.

Nestled within this elaborate metal lace sit 33x prong-set cabochons of luscious yellow uranium satin glass — all original, all glowing like captured moonlight. The centrepiece is a huge oval cabochon, framed by a constellation of round and navette companions, each shimmering with that characteristic velvety satin finish that Czech glassmakers became famous for.

The Glow Phenomenon:
Under UV/blacklight, these jewels ignite with an electric green glow, thanks to the uranium oxide used in early 20th-century glass production. This glow is not only highly collectible — it is historically significant. Uranium glass, also called Vaseline glass, was produced in Czechoslovakia from the late Victorian era into the Art Deco period, treasured for its surreal otherworldly luminescence.

This brooch showcases some of the best examples of Czech uranium satin glass cabochons, still perfectly intact after all these years.

Let’s talk SIZE, because this piece is a statement.Oversized Czech brooches of this scale were made in limited quantities and were considered luxury costume items even in the 1920s. They rarely survive in such pristine, complete condition. Pieces of this magnitude routinely fetch $125–$150 (R2300–R2800) on international markets, with exceptional examples commanding even more — and this one is absolutely in that upper tier.

Adding to its original charm, the brooch still retains its delicate golden safety chain, a feature usually lost over time. This tiny detail is a hallmark of early Czech craftsmanship and elevates the piece to true collector-grade status.

Measurements : The Brooch measures 8.9cm x 6cm.The largest centre cabochon measures 3.4cm x 2cm.Weight of 39 grams

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