Lucky Garnet Clover, 14K

A four-leaf clover, but make it garnet and gloriously Victorian.

Four wonderfully chunky pear-shaped garnets form the leaves of this charming little talisman, each with beautiful, generous facets that catch the light in deep wine-red flashes. A delicate trail of smaller garnets curves away from the flower, giving the whole piece a lovely sense of movement.

The four-leaf clover has long been considered an especially lucky find, with the four leaves traditionally associated with faith, hope, love and good fortune. Finding one in the wild was supposed to be rare; finding one in antique garnets feels like cheating slightly.

The brooch fitting appears to be a later addition. The reverse also shows two visible pressure marks. The seller described these as hallmarks; I have not been able to identify them as such.

circa 1850–1870

14K gold, tested

Chunky faceted Garnets, tested

Later-added metal pin

Approx. 27 × 20 mm

4.05 grams

All stones in great condition

Complimentary conversion to a pendant, some remnants of the later pin fitting will properly remain.