This rare brooch is an antique Victorian-era Sri Lankan Kondakoora hairpin, crafted circa the late 19th century (1890's).

This rare brooch is an antique  Victorian-era Sri Lankan Kondakoora hairpin, crafted circa the late 19th century (1890's). It is composed of gold-gilded silver, intricately designed to resemble a feather or boteh motif (a teardrop-shaped ornamental design).

The brooch is set with 20 old-cut pink sapphires in various round and oval shapes.

Additionally, there are six seed pearls, which provide a subtle contrast to the pink sapphires.
The elongated design ends in a pointed arrow-like tip, which was originally intended to secure a hair bun when used as a pin.

The feather-like finial at the top is ornate, with a naturalistic floral or foliage-inspired pattern.
These hairpins were popular in Sri Lanka from the 18th to early 20th century and were worn by wealthy women to secure their hair in an elegant bun.
The piece was later converted into a brooch, a common practice in the early 20th century as these hairpins became fashionable as wearable jewelry.

Authentic pieces like this are valued for their craftsmanship and rarity. They can sell online for prices ranging from R5000 to R10,000, depending on condition and provenance.

Almost invariably, these are wrongly ascribed to India or Turkey and described as turban ornaments. Early photographs show Sri Lankan women wearing such pins in their hair. Later, the fashioned developed in Sri Lanka for the hairpins to be worn as brooches and so many, like this one, were fitted with long brooch pins on the reverse. It can also be worn to marvellous effect on one shoulder like an epaulette.

This brooch is a stunning example of cross-cultural artistry, blending Victorian design influences with Sri Lankan craftsmanship. It is both a historical artifact and a wearable piece of art.

Measurements :The brooch measures 9.7cm in length x 2.1cm wide.The larger oval cut pink sapphires measures approx 3mm x 2.50mm.The brooch with a total weight of 9.7grams.