19th Century Brooches

Designed as two highly rendered swallow birds in flight with spread wings Engraved with feather detail - each holding one end of a length of chain Cable link with seven 2.5 mm seed ...

Centering an oval-shaped tablet of banded agate measuring 9.5 x 13.5 mm Opaque reddish orange with carved cameo on gray-white band Depicting a lamb asleep on a cross - symbolic of t...

Renaissance Revival sword jabot-brooch. An exceptional and very rare jabot type brooch, created in England during the Victorian era, back in the 1880. This piece is fantastic and has been crafted with renaissance revival patterns in the shape of a miniature sword with jewels, in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with accents in carved platinum. The sword is well proportionate and made with gorgeous details. It is completely decorated with twisted woven wires, engravings and chiseled designs. The sword sheath, the grip pommel and the rain-guard are embellished with a fantastic assortment of eleven natural earth mined gemstones; such white colorless diamonds and vivid green demantoids garnets. It is fitted with a sheath to slide the blade very tight, which is attached to a decorative security chain. This magnificent piece should be an important addition to any serious jewelry collection and will be a great conversation piece when you display it with your dress or on the lapel of your jacket. Demantoids Demantoid is the green gemstone variety of the mineral andradite, a member of the garnet group of minerals. Andradite is a calcium- and iron-rich garnet. Ferric iron is the cause of the green in the stone. Although garnets have been known since ancient times, the demantoid variety was not discovered until 1868 in Russia's western central Ural Mountains. The find was an alluvial deposit about 110 km from Ekaterinburg, north by northwest along the Bobrovka River, near the village of Elizavetinskoye. Miners were immediately stunned by the highly refractive nature of the gem material, which is atypical for garnet. They began comparing it to diamond and referred to it as "demantoid", from the old German Demant, meaning diamond. The reason is obvious, with its high brilliance and dispersion. However, as demantoid garnets are quite rare and found in so few locations, they can command quite high prices, especially if they have a particularly lovely horsetail inclusion. Most stones are less than one carat in size after cutting in polishing. Demantoid gems...

This 12k gold Victorian brooch is meticulously crafted with superb attention to detail. The adorable fly is jewel encrusted, with wings carved out to house beautiful Old Rose Cut dia...

An original Victorian 14K yellow gold sapphire and pearl brooch (pin/pendant). The floral design is decorated with round white pearls and centered with a beautiful blue round cut sap...

This lovely pin holds 8 bright turquoise stones. The colour of the stones compliment the glossy 15 carat yellow gold perfectly. Stone Diameter: 2mm Pin Length: 39mm Weight: 2.3g

This is a stunning Victorian-era piece of jewelry that dates back to the year 1870. The 14Kt yellow gold and black/white hardstone cameo depicts a beautiful woman in profile and feat...

Old European pendant/brooch dating from ca. late 19th century with miniature hand-painted watercolor portrait of a Girl under convex glass. The exact origin is unknown, likely German...

A beautiful antique Victorian bog oak floral brooch. It is crafted from bog oak which is a type of oak wood that has been buried in a peat bog for h...

Vintage 1800's Brooch and/or Pendant in Yellow Gold for woman 33x Antique Cut Diamonds weighing approx. 5,00ct 18kt Yellow Gold 15,80 grams Width 6,5cm Height 3,0cm This brooch...

Reflecting the distinctive aesthetic of the Art Nouveau movement, this brooch pendant is an artistic celebration of form and craftsmanship. Cast in 18 karat gold and complemented by ...

Designed as a pierced cross form with flaring fleur-de-lis motif terminals Featuring round pearls prong set in belcher mounts throughout Gray to cream in body color with strong irid...

Designed as a stylized butterfly with scalloped wings, curling antennae, and spindly legs Featuring a pear cut diamond prong set as lower body weighing approximately 0.65 carat I co...

Here we have a fabulous drop brooch dating back to the Victorian period. This rounded piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and features multiple decorated layers consi...

Centering an oval-shaped bullet cabochon weighing approximately 1.93 carats Transparent medium dark blue in color and bezel set in rose gold With silver-topped 'X' motif surround wi...

Here we have a wonderfully detailed brooch dating back to the Victorian era. This antique piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold into the shape of two crossover stork birds. The features of these famous folklore birds...

European text in the corner, Slavic not sure what the country of origin is, painted with oil, beautiful art work! Certificate of authenticity comes with purchase! ABOUT US We are a...

Here we have a delightful sapphire and diamond set brooch from the later stages of the 19th century. This gorgeous piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold into the shape ...

Antique 19th century chrysolite chrysoberyl amethyst quartz foliate pendant/brooch and drop earrings demi-parure mounted in closed-back silver, Portuguese, late 1800s, in a fitted ca...

Antique Crescent Brooch 15ct Gold Victorian circa 1880 Gorgeous Victorian Crescent Brooch Set with Beautiful Seed Pearls. Could Easily be Converted to a Pendant (Please ask for...

Antique Gold Heart Brooch 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Fabulous Victorian Gold Brooch. Set with Rubies, Diamonds & Pearls. Features Two Little Ruby Set Hearts at Either End & Di...

Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Length: 1.00 inches Width: 29.00 mm Weight: 13.32 grams 14K yellow gold diamond art-nouveau (1890-1910) brooch / pendant. The metal was tested and det...

Adorable antique Victorian in yellow gold with ruby eyes. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 7.9 Grams Measurements: 55.9 x 12 mm

Carnelian cameo of a jockey wearing a cap embellished with a single cut diamond, two rubies and two sapphires. Weight: 4.6 grams Length: 2 3/4" Head: 17.44 x 11.35 mm wide Markin...

This is an incredibly detailed and ornate brooch that is sure to impress anyone who has a love for fine jewelry. Its central glazed hair compartment is a unique and fascinating featu...

Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Diamond Details: .20ct, Old European Brilliant, SI2, H Color. Pin Measurements: Length: 2.25 inch...

14K yellow gold Victorian bar pin with pearls and round Montana blue sapphires. The sapphires have cornflower blue color with a hint of periwinkle....

Antique Victorian high relief lava cameo brooch with a gold filled setting. Measuring 4.3cm / 1.7 inches by 3.5cm / 1.38 inches, this beautiful fine quality brooch has a lovely flowi...

Dating back to the 1880s, this unique Victorian brooch holds an impressive 6.00 carat amethyst as it’s centrepiece. The arrow shaped brooch has been hand crafted from 18 carat yello...

Impressive and eye-catching 1820’s en Tremblant Diamond spray Brooch composed of a branch of three flowers, buds and foliate decorations crafted in Paris in 18k Gold and Silver. The ...

An interesting and well detailed antique Victorian tennis brooch. It features a cuffed hand holding a tennis racket with a ball. The brooch is made fro...

Founded in 1866 by Sir Robert Inches and James Hamilton, Hamilton & Inches has been crafting high quality luxury jewelry in Edinburgh, Scotland, for well over a century up to the cur...

An exquisite late 19th Century French watch and watch pin brooch profusely set with rose-cut diamonds and mounted in 18 karat gold and silver. Swiss made movement 17 jewels. white en...

This spectacular piece can either be worn as a brooch or a pendant. A 0.95 carat old cut diamond sits central surrounding by a halo of smaller diamonds. Elegantly scrolling metalwork...

18k yellow gold with silver brooch set with a cameo and rose cut diamonds. 0.40ct - F/G - SI - 3.0 cm wide detailed description: The top of the brooch is 2.3 cm wide weight: 11.0...

A marvellous period piece, this hand crafted brooch dates to the reign of Queen Victoria. At its centre sits a 0.80 carat old cushion cut diamond, set into silver and surrounded by a...

This extravagant French Renaissance Revival "Holbeinesque" demi-parure dating from circa 1870 consists of a day/night girandole pendant earrings and a brooch, both composed of garnets, emeralds, diamonds, seed pearls, enamel and 18K gold. The day/night girandole earpendants are each designed with a shaped top centering a cabochon garnet, with detachable pendants suspending flexibly-set garnet drops and seed pearls, enhanced throughout with step-cut emeralds, old mine-cut diamonds, and black and white champlevé enamel, mounted in 18K gold. An exquisite pair of "girandoles", paired with a luxe brooch, this rare French suite in Holbeinesque taste captures the artist's vision of bold form, extravagant color and movement. Product Details: Item #: STE-21098 Country: France Circa: 1870 Dimensions: Brooch: 2.25" length x 2.00" width, Earrings: 2.00" length x 0.75" width Materials: 9 cabochon and tear-drop form garnets; 16 step-cut emeralds (approximate total weight 1.40 carats); 16 old mine-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 1.20 carats); 23 seed pearls; 18K Gold; Enamel Signed: French assay mark, unidentified maker's mark Macklowe Gallery Curator's Notes: Hans Holbein the Younger, the German Renaissance painter best known for his portraits of royalty...

This Cut Steel brooch has telltale Georgian characteristics. Georgian era cut steel has a variety of cut steel bits held in place by rivets to the back brass plaque that has first be...

This exquisite and remarkable brooch is a charming and elegant example of Georgian jewelry dating back to approximately 1830. The brooch measures 1.50 inches in diameter and is craft...

This Castellani Archaeological Revival brooch dates back to the 1870s. The circular disk is styled as a flower head with a garnet in the centre, surrounded with white enamel beads an...

A gorgeous antique, late Victorian, 9ct gold and pearl double crescent brooch. Beautiful closed crescents in 9ct yellow gold, set with creamy pearls that graduate from the ends to c...

800 silver creamer from German silversmith Friedrich Reusswig. Village scenes surround this creamer from Hanau Germany. Measures approx 2 1/8" high, 3 7/8" wide from spout to handl...

This nice antique butterfly brooch is made of 14 kt yellow gold and silver. The brooch is richly decorated with rose cut diamonds of in total approx....

Van Cleef and Arpels Ruby and Diamond Tie Pin Beautiful Van Cleef and Arpels tie pin with ten round cut diamonds and cabochon ruby. Signed: VCA and numb...

This stunning pin/pendant is made in 14k rose gold and features round and rose cut diamonds. This pin is unique due to its design and quality craftsmanship, but also for it’s ability...

Antique Fox Head Stock Pin 15ct Gold Stamped Victorian Circa 1880 This exquisite 15ct gold Victorian stock pin brooch is a true masterpiece. The brooch features a stunning fox hea...

This is a stunning and rare large 4.5 inch antique Victorian Belle Epoque Belt Buckle in Sterling Silver with Cherub and Angel Imagery with acanthus leaf and fruit designs throughout...

Rare brooch / pin from 1890s, exquisite condition Crafted in 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Features Natural Diamonds and French-Cut Rubies Center Diamond - old mine cut, 0.25 car...

Antique Old mine cut Diamond and cushion old mine cut Peridot on silver and gold Brooch convertible Pendant. The Pear shape old mine cut Diamond can be detached and worn as a separat...

An antique Victorian Dutch 14 karat yellow gold pendant/brooch made with filigree technique. The filigree technique is a very refined method that uses a thin golden thread to form a ...

A stunning fine and impressive antique Victorian 4.59 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and silver set brooch; part of our floral brooch collections. This stunning, fine and impre...

For sale is this stunning Bee brooch. This 18 ct yellow gold beauty is most likely crafted in the Aesthetic period (1880-1901) during queen Victorias reign. This stunner is set with ...

A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 20.34 carat opal and 4.63 carat diamond, silver gilt cross pendant / brooch; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections This stunning, large and magnificent antique pendant has been crafted in silver. The pierced decorated, ornate cross design is hollow in nature, embellished with a scrolling decoration to the crossbar terminals. The centre of the cross is ornamented with a cabochon cut opal, encompassed with a silver border embellished with twenty-four Old Dutch cut diamonds. The silver gilt cross is embellished with five stunning collet set oval cabochon cut opals. The central point of the cross bars is accented with four individually collet set Old Dutch cut diamonds. Each scrolling crossbar terminal is embellished with forty-six diamonds, in a combination of pavé and individual collet silver settings; the lower vertical crossbar incorporates a further twenty-eight diamonds, completing the design. This opal pendant suspends from an 18' contemporary 18 ct gold trace chain via a detachable intricate ring loop, accented with scrolling decoration embellished with a magnificent cabochon opal and impressive old Dutch cut diamonds. This stunning and versatile antique pendant can also be worn as a brooch via a hinged pin and clasp fastening to the reverse. This antique opal cross pendant...

A large hand carved cameo pin from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Set in vibrant 14kt rosy yellow gold, the beautiful face of a young woman graces the center of this intricately carved ...

This lovely scarf pin from the 1890s Victorian era is absolutely gorgeous and features enamel and 18k yellow gold. The pin is in fantastic condition for its age visually and also wor...

An antique pheasant stickpin. In sterling silver, 14 & 10 karat golds, and enamel with rose cut diamonds. In the form of a fully alert pheasant standing upright with head held high...

Designed as a stylized fleur-de-lis form bead set with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.72 carat total - H/J color with VS2 clarity Completed by hinged pinstem with...

Antique shell cameo brooch and earrings by John Brogden, English, circa 1870. A yellow gold suite of jewellery, the brooch composed of a horizontally situated oval Bull’s Mouth shell cameo of the Greek goddess Selene riding a serpentine dragon in a rubover collet setting, encircled by a conforming frame of gold beading and twisted gold wire punctuated with four gold palmette form plaques engraved and decorated with dark blue enamel and placed at the cardinal points, the reverse mounted with a hinged pin and scroll clasp, the earrings each composed of a vertical oval Bull’s Mouth shell cameo engraved with a bust length portrait of Selene with crescent-set headdress, encircled by a conforming frame matching that of the brooch with the addition of a pendant decoration composed of a horizontal bar of gold beading and twisted gold wires suspending gold link chains graduated from centre and ending in conical gold elements, the reverses mounted with French wire fittings, all in a fitted red leather case, the interior marked ‘FIRST CLASS PARIS MEDAL/ 1855.1867.1851/ PARIS FIRST CLASS & LONDON PRIZE MEDALS/ JOHN BROGDON/ Goldsmith/ MANUFACTORY/ 16, Henrietta St. Covent Garden/ London’. The cameo—defined as a gem, usually either a mineral or a shell, upon which a design has been carved in relief—is believed to have originated in Hellenistic Greece, during the third century BC. These miniature sculptures, at that time confined to the medium of hardstone, are thought to have been made with the primary purpose of personal adornment. The same practice of mounting cameos in jewellery was then continued by the Ancient Romans, and they are known to have been worn by many a Roman emperor. After the fall of Rome the fashion for cameos went into a decline, until it was again revived during the Renaissance period, brought about by a keen interest in the ancient world. At this time both antique and contemporary cameos were mounted in jewellery, as well as collected as objet d’art. The art of cameo cutting was revived in Italy, where it would remain a centre for the coming centuries. Again there was a lull in interest in carved gemstones, until the Neoclassical revival of the eighteenth century, largely stimulated by the discoveries of the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. As with the Renaissance, antique specimens were generally prized over modern cameos, and the worldliest men in Europe held them among their collections of art and antiques. That said, carving centres in Rome and Torre del Greco (near Naples) in Italy were established in response to the demand of the Grand Tourists, who travelled to Italy and Greece to become educated in the wonders of the ancient world. It was at this time that shell cameos, mostly made in Torre del Greco due to its proximity to the sea, became more popular, owing to the relative ease in carving shell over hardstone. In addition to Rome, hardstone cameos also became a specialty of Idar Oberstein, Germany, which had a long history with both the gem mining and cutting trade. In a shift away from the collector’s cases of the previous century, the nineteenth century saw a strengthening in the fashion for wearable cameos. After the Empress Josephine donned a cameo-set suite of jewellery at the coronation of Napoleon in 1804, cameo jewellery became all the rage. Napoleon played a further hand in promoting the art by establishing a gemstone carving school in Paris, inspired by his appreciation for the arts of the ancient world. By the mid-nineteenth century shell cameos, in part due to their lightness compared with hardstone cameos, were the height of fashion. Large shell cameos as well as hardstone cameos were set into contemporary mounts, often as suites of jewellery. Some of the best cameos of the nineteenth century—carved by a select group of recognized carvers—were set into revivalist mounts, corresponding to the subject matter. In Victorian England cameo jewellery was particularly prized, due in part to the fact that the Queen owned and wore a number of cameo jewels. One example which can often be seen in official portraits is the Badge of the Order of Victoria and Albert, carved by Tommaso Saulini of Rome, who also produced cameos for the maker of the present suite, John Brogden. To meet demand some carvers set themselves up in London, including William Schmidt, a German carver from Idar Oberstein, who produced cameos for top London jewellers, including Brogden, Carlo Giuliano and Child & Child. In fact, Schmidt purports to have been the first to carve cameos out of opal, which Brogden reportedly displayed in the Paris Exhibition of 1878. An extant example, now in the collection of the British Museum, was set by the Giuliano firm. Regarding subject matter, cameos throughout time have been largely figural, from bust length profile portraits to scenes with multiple full-length figures, and sometimes animals. Ancient Greek and Roman cameos often depicted mythological scenes as well as contemporary figures. During the Renaissance, mythological scenes were popular, often taken directly from ancient sculpture, as well as portraits of notable contemporary figures. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, due to the revivalist styles, both Renaissance and Classical subjects were copied and set into matching (and sometimes unmatching) revivalist mounts. From the Renaissance through the Victorian era, being able to recognize the source of the carving in a cameo was a mark of erudition, revealing in the wearer knowledge of Classical art. As mentioned, the present cameo parure...