1870s Brooches

Pink Agate cameo depicting the bust of a young womanwith a Greek profile and looking on the left. She is wrapped in a tunic embellished with pearls. This hard stone is set in a gold ...

Exceptional Edwardian Corsage Ornament set in silver with pastes. Lovely design with central motif held by 3 sets of paste and faux pearl set swag chains, hanging off sword hilt...

Lovely Victorian Coral Cat Stickpin from the 19th Century. A finely carved 3D cat's head is set on a gold round with black enamel detailing to look like a ruff or collar. Superb qua...

Meticulously carved in semi-precious Chalcedony with exquisite detail this lovely three-piece set consisting of a Pre-Victorian Cameo Pendant and Earring Pair is in remarkable condi...

This extraordinary piece of jewellery has been made from a locket and a pair earrings in the last quarter of the 19th century to create a substantial jewel. The jewel is set with facetted Bohemian Garnets and natural pearls set...

Brooch bouquet in yellow gold and silver entirely set with rose-cut diamonds and the most important central diamond. Size : 6cm x 3cm Weight: 21,5gr.

Unusual angelskin coral brooch form the late 19th Century of a Neoclassical maiden flanked by 2 grotesque figures. Beautifully hand carved with ...

Set in Sterling, this substantial Scottish brooch is set with four colors of agate native to Scotland. Fine Scottish jewelry makers mastered the stone...

This elegant brooch is designed as an arrangement of diamond and pearl set flowers in a braided golden handle basquet.

A Victorian enamel, porcelain, and yellow gold brooch, comprising a circular porcelain panel, painted with enamel, in 9 karat yellow gold. My favourite thing about this Antique 9K Yellow Gold Spaniel Brooch...

Brooch with a cameo on agate in an oval decoration punctuated with rubies, white pearls and black enamel. 18K yellow gold frame. French work. Original box. Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.80 cm....

Victorian Seed Pearl and Turquoise Bug crawling up a staff capped with a solitary pearl. Beautifully rendered in 3D with realistic insect anat...

This TRULY EXQUISITE piece of antique of CORAL cameo jewelry. The frame is made of solid yellow gold that is unmarked, a common trait of antique jewelry. All pieces are acid tested and guaranteed to be 14k. Can be worn as a pin or Pendant. Matching earrings are listed on our storefront as well. Mid to Late Victorian (c.1860-1900) 14K yellow gold & caved coral cameo brooch...

A lozenge shaped frame is covered with black enamel and decorated with white enamel dots. On the outer side of the lozenge are four silver scrolls set with turquoise cabochons. Two a...

In very good condition. Total weight is 5.8 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.60 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2. Acid tested to be real 18k gold. Please contact for any...

Pendent-Brooch composed of an oval decorated with interlacing punctuated with white pearls. 18K yellow gold frame. French work. Dimensions: 3.30 x 3.00 cm. Gross weight: 7.53 g.

You don't have to be Parisian to love Frenchies or from Boston to love Boston Bull Terriers.The enamel on this canine stickpin is as good as it gets and is the reason I bought the pu...

Highly unusual handmade Victorian snake stickpin in 14K gold with lovely detailing. A fully formed snake is wrapped around a pear shaped faceted rock cr...

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...

Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 6.00 carats. Circa 1870s 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 inches Can be worn as a brooch or pendant, the b...

A Victorian gold and citrine target brooch centering on a large madeira citrine in an etched gold surround set with six citrines, in 18k.

Antique 14k russian brooch centered with 3 old mine cut diamonds with estimate weight of 0.30 carats brooch lenght 4.5cm was made in moscow 1870/1890.c ...

This gorgeous Victorian brooch has been crafted in silver on gold, typical of its period. The floral designed piece is beautifully set with 6 natural Saltwater pearls measuring betwe...

In very good condition. Total weight is 7.8 grams. Totally is diamond 2.10 ct. Acid tested to be 14k real gold. Please contact for any questions.

In very good condition. Total weight is 18.4 grams. Totally is diamond diamond 4.50 ct. Acid tested to be 14k real gold. Please contact for any questions.

Depicting Dionysus with vine leaves and grapes, lenght 6,5cm, Holland mark. Fitted case by Calderoni Milano.

With its warm colors and natural striations, our Victorian silver daffodil brooch, c1870, is handcrafted with a high degree of skill and the agates ar...

Victorian carriage brooch with diamonds. This is a beautiful antique brooch created in Europe during the Victorian period, back in the 1870. The brooch has been designed in the shap...

Designed as a radial starburst motif comprised of gold bar and crescent forms Centering a prong set old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.20 carat Eye clean and bright - with...

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...

The central plaque decorated with a polychrome enamel female deity gazing the dove on the pearl paviment. Under the scene we can find a snake. Width 4.5cm

Antique flower brooch, circa 1870 Yellow gold, patinated silver, old cut diamonds brooch weight - 8 grams brooch measurements - 0.43 х 0.98 х...

Designed with an horseshoe centered by an crystal and decorated with an tourmaline and pearls, two flowers at the sides. Mounted in yellow gold 42 mm long

An Austrian carved agate cameo of Heba. This piece feature a fabulous three-dimensional cameo piece, carved from a two layered natural agate, with gradations of colors; from translucent orange brown to frosted white. The quality of the carving is exceptional, with intricate thorough details. for example, the ear and the incised lines of the hair are magnificent. The carving depicts, the naked...

Beautifully designed and masterfully handcrafted this antique brooch from ca 1870 displays a wondaful contrast of colors. A star in the center of the brooch set with on Old Mine diam...

A Victorian gold Etruscan Revival suite, comprising a brooch, with pendant fitting and a matching pair of drop earrings, with Etruscan style work decoration, on articulated sections,...

Designed as oval plaque, set with fold European-cut diamond. Lenght: 6cm

Circa 1870, this gorgeous French brooch features a pink tourmaline as its centerpiece, flanked by Rose Cut diamond studded triangles along a horizontal 18k gold pin. The tourmaline i...

A Victorian diamond, blue enamel, and yellow gold brooch, set with five rose cut diamonds, with blue enamel, set in 9 karat yellow gold, with 9 karat yellow gold pin and fittings. T...

The striking profile of a bearded man, framed by a banner of flowers, is the focal point of this sterling silver Victorian era brooch. The man in the portrait appears to be a Greek g...

Era: Victorian Date: 1870s - 1880s Metal Content: 14k Rose Gold Stone Information Natural Hardstone Banded Agate Cut: Carved Cameo Size: 19mm x 13.4mm Cultured Seed Pearls Theme:...

Center Stone: 3 Pearls Size: 6.09mm, 4.98mm, 4.73mm Accent Stone: 3 Rubies Cut: Pear Cut Weight: Approximately Color: Red Accent Stone: 8 Diamonds Cut: Old Mine Cut Weight: Approxima...

This beautiful antique Crescent Moon is 1870 ca Glorious Victorian workmanship made of solid 18 KT gold and Silver Set with 15 graduated in size old mine cut Diamonds and tiny rose cut Diamonds to complement, approx 3.10 Ct (H/I-SI/I) – lovely color contrast given by 15 untreated natural, mine cut, Rubies of gorgeous pastel color for 1.80 Ct. 34 mm. In diameter with fine condition throughout keeping with age Victorian Celestial...

A Victorian 15 karat yellow gold turquoise and white enamel round dome brooch and locket. This brooch features a pavé turquoise dome center surrounded by scalloped white enamel and r...

A Victorian pearl, enamel, and yellow gold brooch, comprising one round pearl, and white enamel accents, in 14 karat yellow gold. This outstanding Victorian brooch is set to the ce...

A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 5.50 carat diamond, 9 karat white gold and silver set brooch; part of our diverse antique jewellery collections. This stunning, fin...

An antique cameo brooch, with a hardstone sardonyx cameo of a lady, with a Roman hairstyle, on a brown background, in a double row gold frame, with a rub over setting, a twisted chai...

HIGH VICTORIAN (= VIENNESE HISTORICISM) GOLDEN JEWELRY SET: PAIR OF EARDROPS AND BROOCH MADE OF GOLD 14ct, COVERED WITH SMALL EMERALDS. ELEGANT BROOCH: made of GOLD (14 ct / 585), having longitudinal-oval form, additionally decorated with small movable rods attached to area below - causing a very decorative effect ! Additionally, the brooch is ornamented with a small emerald attached to middle area, surrrounded by scrolls made in chiselled technique. WEIGHT: 6.0 GRAMS (= 0.21 OZ / 0.19 TROY OUNCE) FINEST GOLDEN COLOUR ! OLD PRAGUE OFFICIAL HALLMARK (= OLD IMPERIAL AUSTRIA...

Dropped From Sky Victorians were brimming with Symbolism, from clothes to tapestry, jewellery was no exception, Crescent moons symbolize the feminine moon goddess associated with fem...

A Victorian yellow gold, diamond, and enamel brooch, comprising three rose cut diamonds, and hand painted enamel, in 18 karat yellow gold, with silver pin. This exquisite Victorian...

Russian no-heat ruby natural pearls and diamond Brooch by Friedrich Koechli, Court Jeweler St. Petersburg , circa 1870 Very rare, decorative brooch ...

Victorian Etruscan revival queen brooch. Gorgeous antique medallion-brooch type, created in Italy in the middle of the 19th century, circa 1880. This exceptional piece has been made...

A love letter to a departed soul, this tender piece manifests as an envelope that folds over a pearl studded arrow and is sealed with a forget-me-not flower. Circa 1870, this early Victorian brooch is cast in 14k gold with a beautiful acid wash matte finish. The forget-me-not, a sentimental image often seen in mourning jewelry, consists of a chrysoberyl cat’s eye surrounded by six old cut diamonds bead set into its petals. The whimsical arrow is encrusted with eight pearls that look beautiful against the matte gold. On the back of the brooch, a portrait of a woman is held in an oval frame. She has braided hair, wears beautiful jewelry, and was clearly very loved by the brooch’s original owner. The blue-grey cat’s eye has lovely chatoyancy that shimmers as it moves, making the piece even more magical. Chatoyancy is an optical phenomenon seen in certain stones, caused by light reflecting off of parallel needle-like elements within the stone, this is the cat’s eye effect.  In addition, the chrysoberyl has a trait known as adularesence—a milky sheen or glowing light that seems to come from below the surface of the stone. The effect is caused by layers of orthoclase and albite that reflect and scatter light. The brooch measures 2” x 3/4” and weighs 10 grams. The chrysoberyl measures 3.25 mm. The six natural old cut diamonds measure 2.25 and equal .15 of a carat...

This pendant features detailed hand-carved designs on lustrous yellow gold, showcasing the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of 14KT gold. Crafted using only the finest materials and...

An Antique Victorian Finely Carved Shell Cameo Brooch with a bail - provision to wear a piece as a pendant within a 9K Yellow Gold decorative rope border featuring safety chain be...

A Victorian, Etruscan style brooch and earrings suite, comprising an oval brooch, with three layers, with a central dome, all decorated with Etruscan style wire work, with a loop on ...

Antique Turquoise Ship Brooch A yellow gold brooch in the shape of a ship adorned with round turquoise stones. Circa 1825 Approximate Height: 2 inches Approximate Weight: 10 gr...

Era: Victorian Date: 1870s - 1880s Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold (brooch) & Gold Filled (backing) Material Information Enamel Color: Black & White Style: Tassel Dangle Brooch Cha...