Chanel Vintage Gold Byzantine Revival Brooch with Gripoix Pearl

This stunning vintage brooch showcases ornate gilt filigree work topped off by a creamy Gripoix glass pearl in the center. From its markings, from the 1970s-mid1980s. Hard to choose whether it's the Gripoix pearl or the Byzantine style filigree work that gets more attention. The glass pearl is creamy and lustrous, with small indentations that are distinctive to Gripoix pearls for Chanel pieces. The pearl is bezel set into a round golden "shield" lush with filigree scrollwork and granulation, both indicative of the Byzantine style. This motif is one of Coco Chanel's favorites, and inspired many of her pieces. The brooch measures 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" round, with a locking c-clasp. It has an oval cartouche with the CC interlocking logo in the center, plus the words "Chanel" and "Made in France". This logo was adopted after Coco Chanel's death in the 1970s. The logo was revised to add the year and season on either side of the CC logo starting in the mid-1980s, so we know that ours is an earlier logo than mid-1980s. This brooch also has four numbers which may indicate a design inventory number, or even the artisan who worked on it. Gold plated by 24k gold In overall good to very good condition. The gilt portions are rich in hue.