Circa 1950s, 14k, Austria. This insouciant hardstone pin features amethyst flowers enhanced by bright diamond centers, perched delicately on lush jade leaves. 14k gold stems gracefully drop below the brooch to finish the look. Fine quality carving and meticulous construction are found throughout. Very slight chip on one of the leaves.

 SIZE: 2 inches high by 1 1/4 inches wide WEIGHT: 10.1 grams

 STONES: carved jade, amethyst and diamond

 HALLMARKS: 585 for 14k and maker's mark

The number 585 is stamped on European gold jewelry to indicate that the jewelry contains 58.5 percent gold. This is comparable to the U.S. 14K marking that indicates that a piece contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts of one or more different metals, which means that it is 58.3 percent gold.