Victorian Sterling Silver & French Paste Starburst Pin

French paste is a vintage jewelry term used to describe the practice of using faceted cut glass, cut in the shape of a real gemstone, instead of using gems. This process, which was developed in the 1700s, created the look of a sparkling gemstone or diamond but cost much less than real stones.This sparkling French paste pin from the Victorian (ca1880) era is a real beauty! Crafted in sterling silver, the piece forms the shape of a striking 12-point starburst. Covering the surface are multiple French paste crystals, which rest in a closed back setting. The bright, sparkling crystals range in size, with the largest stones at the center, and the smaller stones lining each ray, creating a graduated effect. Each crystal is a faceted old Mine Cut, delivering a radiant sparkle that stands out dramatically within the antiqued silver setting, closely resembling diamonds! On the back of the piece is a secure bar pin and C-catch clasp, allowing it to fasten securely to a favorite garment. A wonder