Antique Victorian Scottish chased pinchbeck or gold filled / rolled gold large love knot brooch with large purple paste rhinestone

Antique Victorian large love knot brooch, with lovely chasing / engraving / repousse work along the length of the winding gold strand. It has one large, oval, claw set amethyst purple rhinestone. There is a small loop on one side which could be used to attach a pendant bail to wear the piece on a necklace chain. At present it has a removable safety chain and safety pin clasp to guard against loss.

The knot was a Victorian symbol of unbreakable love. The curls also resemble a curled snake, which was a popular way to symbolise eternal love and a favourite design of Queen Victoria. 

Brooches of this kind were often gold filled, when not solid gold - I have not had this one tested in fact but believe it is rolled gold or gold filled. Sometimes they are listed as pinchbeck, but this is not usually the case, even though the gold plate does have a very yellow finish.

This brooch is in very good vintage condition. It measures just over 2 inches by just over 1.5 inches and fastens with an antique C hook clasp and pin.