Style/Date: Victorian Materials: 14K yellow gold, variscite Description: 14K yellow gold brooch with twisted wire floral design and large variscite cabochon. Variscite is found in southwestern USA, and is very similar chemically to turquoise (it has no copper!) The pin exhibits "bloomed gold." This was a process in which it was dipped in acid and the alloy would disintegrate and leave behind a matt finish hi carat gold, which was desired at that time. Also called "Romanization."