1870s Brooches

Designed as two gold snakes with gaping mouths and entwined tails Depicted as wrapping around a mounted baroque button pearl Measuring 9.5 x 10.0 mm - white body color with moderate ...

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...

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.

Etruscan Revival Citrine Cameo and Pearl Gold Brooch, France circa 1870 Important brooch in the archaeological style, set with a golden yellow, detailed cut citrine cameo depicting ...

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...

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...

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 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,...

Victorian Diamond Clover Pendant Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold ~6.8ct Diamonds Total A timeless emblem of luck and elegance, this clover brooch showcases exceptional craftsmanship and t...

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...

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...

Antique old cut diamond and multi color enamel stickpin, c. 1875. Approximately 26 rose and old cut diamonds are set in silver. The head of the pheasan...

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...

DETAILS • signed 1/20 12kt • gold filled with pearls • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 44...

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...

Sardonyx cameo brooch and earrings with a profile bust of Maria Stuart. The attributes of Maria Stuart are consistent with renaissance fashion se...

Antique early imperial russian era brooch in crescent designe decorted with rose cut diamonds brooch was made in st petersburg 1880s hall marked 56 imperial russian gold standard for...

A stunning antique Victorian seed pearl and 18 karat yellow gold pendant / brooch with 9k gold chain; part of our Victorian jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive Victorian pendant has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a substantial 9k rose gold belcher chain...

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...

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...

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

Charming Victorian Painted Miniature Brooch with a surround of half pearls. A finely painted miniature watercolor of a young child playing a harp in t...

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

A stunning, fine and impressive Victorian 0.37 carat turquoise and 0.06 carat garnet, 14 karat yellow gold brooch in the form of a snake; part of our diverse antique jewellery collections. This stunning, fine and impressive Victorian brooch has been crafted in 14k yellow gold. The brooch has been modelled in the form of a snake, twisted and entwined around itself. The head of the snake features a textured finish, ornamented with a vertical row of five collet set turquoise. A further five graduated collet set turquoise accent the snake's mouth, totalling 0.37ct. The head of the snake is further embellished with two collet set cabochon cut garnets, representing the serpent's eyes. The interlacing body of the snake is plain and unembellished. The brooch secures to the reverse with a yellow gold hinged pin and safety clasp. This brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 14k gold. This Victorian snake brooch...

This gorgeous antique piece was crafted during the early Victorian era from solid 18k gold with a silver top and features an incredibly detailed hand enameled portrait at its center....

DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with glass • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 44 ❤️❤️ VINT...

A Victorian moonstone, diamond, enamel, silver and yellow gold brooch, comprising two round cabochon moonstones, three rose cut diamonds, and bi-colour enamel, in silver and 18 karat...

A Second Empire yellow gold and diamond serpent brooch, in the form of an entwined serpent, the head with rose-cut diamond-set eyes, all in 18 c...

Victorian Carlo Giuliano 18K yellow gold sapphire and ruby pin featuring his signature gold open-work. The pin contains two rubies that total 0.70 carats, no treatment, Thailand orig...

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 ...

14k gold with 925 silver brooch set with rose cut diamond to. 0.50ct G/HSI Detailed description the brooch is 1.5 cm high and 6.3 cm wide total weight: 7.1 grams occupied with: ...

In very good condition. Total weight is 13.5 grams. Total weight is 3.40 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J-K-L color and s1-s2-s3-Pique 1-2-3 clarity. Totally is emerald 0.35 ct. Acid tes...

This Victorian portrait Cameo pin is an elegant and timeless addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 14KT yellow gold in a classic octagon shape, this piece features a spark...

Item Details: This unique lingerie pin or brooch has an intricate repousse floral design with graduated seed pearls. This pin has an engraved date "May 5...

A very fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.88Ct old European round cut diamond and 15 karat yellow gold brooch/locket; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine antique Victorian brooch / locket has been crafted in 15k yellow gold. The brooch has an oval form ornamented with a central quatrefoil design claw / prong set with five Old European round cut diamonds. This central design is further embellished with four applied scrolling motifs displayed in relief. This impressive brooch has an applied rope twist and bead decorated border accented with four floral motifs. The Victorian brooch / locket is fitted to the reverse with a removable oval glass panel, behind which a personal photograph may be displayed. The brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin in addition to a detachable safety clip and chain. The 15k fineness mark (15k) is clearly struck to the reverse of the brooch, in addition to the registration number. This antique Victorian gold locket...

Beautiful victorian English 15 Kt. yellow gold, turquoise, and pearl brooch. Reverse - tube hinge, lever catch, and locket back. Great condition. Locket Back Dimensions: 2.0" Lengt...

Take a walk on your favorite beach with this adorable Victorian diamond gold silver sandpiper brooch. With his quick steps and sweet face, this collectible and very wearable sandpip...

This stunning and handcrafted brooch is shaped in the design of a fly, featuring the wings as half moon, cabochon cut garnets. They have a total weight of 2.00 carat and are supporte...

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...

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

Unusual and Elegant Victorian Carved Bone Riding or Hunting Brooch from the 19th Century. A hand carved hoof is entwined by a textured snake like crop moti...

This unusual musical brooch features a lyre, the instrument associated with Apollo. In Greek and Roman mythology Apollo is the god of spring, light, wis...

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...

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...

Massive 19th Century Silver Rose, hand crafted with extraordinary detailing by a fine jeweler of the period. 4.75" x 2". 1870's. French silver marks on ...

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...

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.

This exquisite flower brooch is designed as a flower stalk with a flower in full bloom, two flower buds and leaves. The blooming flower is made out of twenty petals set entirely with...

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

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...

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

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 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...

This gorgeous rare brooch from the 19th century Renaissance revivalist period is crafted in 15k yellow gold with blackened details featuring a nature scene of an owl perched on a br...

A distinguished Victorian brooch and pendant necklace from 1870, crafted in France. This piece features a finely detailed hardstone cameo set in 18k yellow gold, adorned with natur...

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...

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....

Spilla a forma di ferro di cavallo in oro 12ct con lapislazzuli e piccole rosette di diamante, fine '800 circa. Dimensioni: 3.2 cm in altezza e 3 cm di larghezza

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

14k bicolour gold brooch in the shape of a flower set with a coral and old mine cut diamonds up to 1.60ct – G/H – SI detailed description: the size of the brooch is 5.7 cm long by...