Antique 15K Victorian Anchor Brooch, split cultured seed Pearls 3.1g JR9958

This lovely antique brooch hails from England and is in the form of an anchor entwined with a swirling rope of pearls. The pearls, still luminescent, are set in 15 ct gold.

In Victorian times the anchor was a symbol of hope, relating both to the seafaring world and to the spiritual one when combined with other symbols, it takes on a spiritual meaning. The anchor represents security, stability, and solace. The symbolism is similar to the swallow, in that it too was a sign of hope that a loved one (seafaring or not) would return home safely.
It measures 1 5/8" x 1.0", no hallmark, Xray 15.5K. The pin stick is 10K