MELLERIO Diamond, Gems & Gold Butterfly Brooch

Amazing Victorian butterfly brooch created on the turn of 20th century in France. Made of 18k (tested) yellow and white gold and encrusted w...

Signature Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly clip created in the 1960s. This older version of the brooch is rare. Gracious, feminine and wearable, the ...

A rare vintage brooch by Cartier made of 18 karat yellow and white gold with gemstones and enamel. This dainty vintage Cartier brooch is artistic and dramatic. The stylized eye comprises a whole set of the essential elements. It has a hammered gold eyebrow and a line of the white gold eyelashes embellished with diamonds. The lower eyelid is underlined with black enamel. The eye accented with a cabochon emerald and orange quartz. This Cartier vintage pin...

A colorful butterfly pin brooch made of 18k gold, featuring various gemstones, and accented with colored enamel. The gems are mount-flush set in the gold “wings” and bezel set in the butterfly’s “body”. The “head” and “wings” feature rose cut diamonds. The butterfly’s body is made of fancy colored diamonds, orange brown, and brownish orange. This vibrant butterfly pin brooch is very cheerful and optimistic. Butterfly jewelry is often associated with freedom and joy. This delicate and whimsical jewel fully fits the description. Lovely colorful pin is made of 18 karat (stamped) yellow gold, set with white diamonds, fancy colored diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The diamonds are rose cut, pear and round brilliant cut, H-I color VS clarity. The emeralds are pear, oval and round faceted cut. The rubies and sapphires are round faceted cut. The Victorian brooch measures 2 ¼” x 1 ¾” (5.7 x 4.2 cm) and weighs 18.6 grams. The butterfly brooch was created in the 1900s and stamped with a hallmark for 18 karat gold and unidentified maker's mark. History of Insect Jewelry: Insect jewelry carries a diverse symbolism and has deep historic roots. To us, these pieces serve as a reminder of the delicate beauty that designers found in nature. Scarab Beetles In ancient Egypt, scarab beetles were associated with the Sun God Ra. They symbolized regeneration and protection. Scarabs were often used in amulets, and seals to bring good luck and ward off evil. Bees and Butterflies Bees were revered in ancient Greece and Rome and seen as symbols of diligence and cooperation. Honey, a product of bees, was also associated with sweetness and fertility. Butterflies, with their transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, were seen as symbols of metamorphosis and the soul's journey. Insect Jewelry Resurgence In the 19th century, during the Victorian era, there was a resurgence of interest in nature-inspired jewelry. It often incorporated real insect specimens preserved in resin. This trend was influenced by the Victorian fascination with the natural world and scientific discoveries of the time. The Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th - early 20th centuries embraced organic forms and drew inspiration from nature. Insect motifs, such as dragonflies, butterflies, and beetles, were prominent in Art Nouveau jewelry. These pieces featured flowing lines and delicate designs. Today, insect jewelry continues to be equally loved by designers and jewelry buyers. For example, dragonflies are often associated with change and self-realization, while butterfly brooches symbolize transformation and beauty. Bees are still seen as symbols of hard work, community, and productivity. About Victorian Jewelry: Victorian jewelry is dated from 1837 to 1901. The era’s name was inherited from Queen Victoria who reigned during that time. Her significant input shaped the jewelry style of that time. To navigate in such a vast period, historians divide it into following parts: • The Early Victorian or Romantic • The Middle of Grand Victorian • The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Era Different materials, gemstones and techniques were popular specifically for each era. Some styles though remained in favor longer than during just one period. For instance, hair jewelry made its way from the Romantic to the Grand period. Snake and animal motifs were also in demand throughout the era. Early Victorian Jewelry As to the Queen influence, Romantic Period jewelry had well pronounced sentimental vibes. It was the time when young Queen Victoria was in love with her husband, Prince Albert. And the whole nation admired their relationship. Cameos, matching brooches, miniature portraits and lockets reflected the likeness of loved ones. After Albert’s passing in 1861, the Early Victorian Period ended, and The Grand era began. Grand Victorian Jewelry After the incandescent bulb invention in 1870s, diamond jewelry started thriving like never before. Diamonds, being placed under the electric light, revealed their dazzling nature and looked truly fascinating. Besides Victorian diamond jewelry...

An adorable vintage pin made of 18 karat gold, coral and gemstones. The brooch designed as a cute little lion and can be worn as a Leo Zodiac sign piece of jewelry. The clip is a great gift for everyone born between July 23 and August 22. The lion’s body is carved out of angel skin coral. The head, tale and mane are made of 18 karat yellow gold. The mane is composed of the gold spiky loops. The eyes are accented with emeralds, and the mouth with ruby. This charming creature has plenty of character. Along with carrying an amazing vintage jewelry...

Lovely joyful clip created in France in the 1950s. Depicting three ducks, fun and articulated, the brooch is definitely a conversational piece. Colorful and wearable, the clip is a g...

This remarkable and rare circa 19th century stomacher brooch showcases the unparalleled artistry of Mellerio, the oldest jewelry firm in France. Crowned by a spray of diamond flowerheads, leaves and buds, this beautiful En Tremblant brooch moves with the wearer, creating countless light refractions and multiplying its brilliance. The brooch is convertible; the flowerhead panel and cascading trellis-work section can each be worn separately. The resplendent jewelry piece is punctuated by detachable pear-shaped diamond drops. Meant to draw the eye and elevate a woman’s ensemble and status, stomacher trembler...

Here we have a vibrant gem set brooch from the 1970s. This vintage piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold into the shape of a butterfly with distinct channels milgrain set with...

A Victorian gem-set butterfly brooch, the body set with old-cut diamonds, the wings embellished with rose and old-cut diamonds, emeralds and rubies, perched on a branch with rose-cut diamond-set leaves, all mounted in yellow gold, the detachable butterfly can be worn individually as a brooch, accompanied by associated fitting, circa 1880, unmarked, tested as 18ct gold, measuring 4.3 2.7cm, gross weight 10.8 grams. This antique brooch is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked, tested as 18ct gold. This colourful and bright Victorian butterfly brooch comes from the collection of Bentley and Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. This brooch features a yellow gold floral branch set with sparkling rose-cut diamonds. Resting on the branch is a butterfly set with further rose-cut and old European cut diamonds and decorated with bright and vivid rubies and emeralds. This charming brooch...

Created in the 1880s, this diamond, pearl, and gem-set butterfly brooch is set in silver-topped 18K gold. The old mine-cut diamond and pearl body, with emerald eyes and ruby-tipped antennae, has curving rose-cut diamond wings edged with rubies and highlighted by round-cut sapphires, in a patinated silver-topped 18K gold mount. Beautifully modeled, with intense sparkle and colors, this small jewel conveys the preciousness and rarity of the graceful favorite of the insect world. Product details: Item #: BO-21096 Circa: 1880 Dimensions: 1.00" length x 1.50" width Materials: 1 old mine and 58 rose-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 0.94 carat); 1 natural freshwater pearl; 4 old round cut sapphires (approximate total weight 0.35 carat); 28 mixed old cut rubies (approximate total weight 0.60 carat); 2 old round-cut emeralds (approximate total weight 0.01 carat); Silver-topped 18K Gold Signed: 18 Macklowe Gallery Curator's Notes: Fashionable women of the late 19th century wore insect brooches in multiples. Multiple butterflies might adorn a dress or alternately secure an opulent veil in place. Although seen since the Renaissance in Western jewelry...

This impressive and unique butterfly brooch has been masterfully handcrafted and designed with over 52 carats of natural gemstones and 1.60 carats of natural yellow and white diamond...

A late Victorian gem-set butterfly brooch, the body is a gold spring terminating to a natural pearl, the eyes set with two cabochon-cut rubies, th...