Sierspeld van zilver met carneool c. 1936 - 1950

This silver brooch with carnelian was made by Johannes Theodorus Fürstner. Consider the contrast between the cool, hard silver and the warm, translucent carnelian. The silver has been shaped and manipulated with considerable skill. Notice how the long handle has been twisted, and the metal worked into delicate swirls around the gemstone. This involved techniques like forging, soldering, and polishing, all handed down through generations of silversmiths. The carnelian itself is a relatively common gemstone, but its smooth, polished surface and warm color give it an air of luxury. Brooches like this were not just functional; they were a way for people to express their taste and status, and jewelers like Fürstner catered to this demand, combining artistry with the market for personal adornment. By appreciating the labor and skill that went into making this brooch, we can see how craft and commerce intertwine, blurring the lines between art and everyday life.