DATE: Edwardian, c.1910

Sweet antique bee/bug brooch dating from the early 20th century, circa 1910. It's modelled in sterling silver and set with orange uranium glass abdomen, peridot green paste thorax, and emerald green paste eyes.

Uranium glass has been produced for thousands of years and, remarkably, actually contains its namesake element, usually in oxide form, making up anywhere between 2% to 25% of its composition. This example displays a striking acid green colour, and under UV light it fluoresces bright green - think uranium rod in the opening credits of the Simpsons. The first noted use of uranium glass dates back to a 79AD mosaic found in a Roman villa on Cape Posillipo, including yellow glass analysed to contain 1%. Soon after it was first identified in 1789, uranium was being added to decorative glass for its fluorescent "glowing" effect - often tableware and household items, although it fell out of use during the cold war when availability of uranium to civil industries was curtailed.

STONES 

Paste gemstones, including uranium glass

MEASUREMENTS 

3.2 x 2.1cm

WEIGHT 

3.5g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as sterling silver

CONDITION 

Fair, it appears to be missing a few legs...