Collectors Coral and Tian-Tsui Hair Pin

Known as 點翠 / 点翠 to the Chinese, Tian-Tsui translates to "dotting with kingfishers". Its a traditional practice in which tiny kingfisher feathers were cut to size and incorporated into sterling silver and silver gilt jewelry to create a dazzling fluorescent blue finish. The technique was lost with the Chinese cultural revolution in the 1940's. 

This hair pin was made by hand in the early 20th century - approximately 1920. A moth is constructed with a bod of coral stone and tian-tsui accents.

This pin is a one of a kind antique. It measures over 6" tall and is made from silver base metal with gold plating and feather accents decorated by granulation and articulating springs.