Antique Japanese Aesthetic Shakudō Fan Brooch pen with further rows down the

with further rows down the straps

and the vibrant blue sapphire secured in yellow gold - all stones set over foil to enhance their brilliance

one outer stone is chipped

The goldwork is incredible - with tiny flower heads all around the band

Antique Japanese Aesthetic Shakudō Fan Brooch pen with further rows down theDATE: Victorian, c. 1890 Shakud is an alloy of gold and copper that, when treated, takes on a black (or sometimes indigo) patina. It's one of the irogane colour metals traditionally used in sword making, door locks, drawer handles, and, in modern times, jewellery. In the 1870's, only military and police officers could wear swords, so swords had to be discarded or converted to military styles. These distinctive decorations on them were removed, some