Late 19th Century Brooches

A late Victorian brooch circa 1900, featuring a cushion cut shape Burmese ruby with a strong pinkish red hue adorned with old mine cut diamonds. The ruby has an estimated weight of 0...

A stunning, fine and impressive, large antique Victorian 6.30 carat diamond and 9 karat yellow gold, silver set crescent brooch; part of our diverse antique jewellery collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique brooch has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a silver setting. The crescent shaped, pierced decorated frame is ornamented with a central 0.78ct Old European round cut diamond, flanked on either side by two further stunning feature diamonds. The silver set design is embellished with a further twenty-one claw set Old European round cut diamonds, graduating in size dependant on location. The brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp. This large diamond crescent brooch...

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...

An antique diamond, pearl, and yellow gold stick pin, comprising two rose cut diamonds, and eleven seed pearls, set in 15 karat yellow gold, to a 15 karat yellow gold pin. The stic...

Antique russian brooch centered with 4 oval cut cabouchon blue sapphire toped with rose cut diamonds in 14k gold setting brooch was made in st p...

Gold Victorian brooch made of gilded metal. Origin: Western Europe, late 19th century Good condition, appropriate to the age of the product. Weight of the product: 7.5g Dimension...

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 ...

1890s This convertible brooch / pendant of intricate floral design has a detachable bail and pin. The brooch / pendant is crafted in silver-topped 14K gold (front – silver, back – go...

Impressive 18kt yellow Gold Antique Hat Pin holder featuring a French stamp. Accented with Rose cut Diamonds weighing together approximately 0....

The micromosaic brooch, of rectangular size, depicts a country and bucolic scene, where two young peasant girls dance to the rhythm of music played by their companion. The micromosai...

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

A stunning, fine and impressive, rare antique Victorian 1.60 carat sapphire, 1.05 carat diamond, 0.04 carat ruby and 15k yellow gold, silver set bug brooch; part of our sapphire jewe...

Here we have an absolutely breathtaking antique brooch or pendant that was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold and silver during the early Victorian era. It features magnificent and t...

Late Victorian bug pin composed of 14K rose gold and platinum set with diamonds featuring a freshwater pearl body. The diamonds total 2.30 carats, F-I c...

1900s Antique 1.02ct diamond and gold brooch A classic antique gold and diamond brooch combining white & pink gold, created in the end...

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 ...

Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Carved Coral Lady Stick Pin. This incredible Victorian stick pin is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The pin features a lady's bust carved from...

Antique Russian old mine cut diamond brooch with an estimate diamond weight of 2.5 carats H color white excellent spark 4 cm length 14k gol...

A Victorian watch pin in 15K yellow gold featuring a 40carat amethyst in the center. The moon and star is represented in split pearls. Stone is set in a crown mounting and the clas...

An antique diamond, ruby, silver, and yellow gold stick pin, comprising twenty-six rose cut diamonds, and one cabochon ruby, in silver and 18 and 9 karat yellow gold. This Victoria...

Designed as a stylized butterfly with ornately shaped wings, silver bead detail, and a segmented body accented by ruby eyes Top wings are bead set with round cut demantoid garnet we...

During the 19th century, the discoveries of ancient archaeological finds influenced what is referred to as "archaeological revival jewelry," or "Egyptian revival jewelry." The initial Egyptian Revival period flourished from the 1820s onward, and was inspired by ancient Egyptian imagery, such as the scarab beetle, sphinxes, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics. Austrian born, Carl Bacher...

Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Enamel and Pearl Duck Stick Pin. This incredible Victorian stickpin is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The stickpin features a beautifully cra...

Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Black Enamel Flower Pin. This gorgeous pin is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The pin has a pearl in th...

In very good condition. Total weight is 4.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.45 carat. The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3. Please contact for any questions.

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...

An absolutely exquisite gemstone pin from the Victorian (ca1847-1919) era! Crafted in vibrant 18kt yellow gold, this fantastic piece consists of a relati...

Exquisite large size coral cameo of the Goddess Diana in Profile mounted in rope-twist design 14kt yellow gold frame with retractable bail so it can be worn as a pendant - all original fittings Antique Victorian piece - rendered with fine details elaborate carving excellent condition absolutely Stunning! measures approximately 2" X 1 1/2" Exquisite thick high relief carving...

A fine and impressive antique Victorian 9 karat yellow gold, silver set 1.20 carat diamond brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and ...

An antique late Victorian diamond, emerald, and enamel brooch designed as a pair of outstretched rose-cut diamond-set wings with an auburn enamel border on the top edges and centerin...

--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Rhodolite Garnets - Round Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Bright Vivid Wine Red Color - 11.2mm & 10.3mm (approx.) Material: All 18K Solid Yellow Gold, ...

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

American Antique Victorian 14K Gold Natural Mississippi River Pearl Brooch 2.3 gram Acid test shows 14K on Brooch and Silver on post Victorian American Workmanship circa 1880s No Ha...

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...

Here we have a super unique and truly magnificent antique brooch crafted from solid 14k yellow gold and platinum featuring two incredibly detailed knights fighting on top of a beauti...

A late Victorian fancy coloured sapphires and diamond four-leaf clover pin, the brooch set with petals of fancy coloured sapphires, estimated to weigh a total of 0.60 carats, each se...

Designed as an oval shaped highly rendered God of Wind bust With coiled hair, scrolling beard, and furrowed brow Eyes are flush set single cut diamonds - eye clean and bright Accente...

Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, and silver, own and swan hallmark. Magnificent and rare antique brooch it is formed of an enamel representing a y...

18k gold with silver brooch with blue enamel and set with rose cut diamonds total approx. 0.20 ct G/H - SI/P - 3.5 cm x 2.3 cm detailed description The brooch is 3.5 cm wide and 2....

Brooch in silver, ram head hallmark, and 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. Charming antique brooch, it represents a basket filled with flowers accompanied by their stems and t...

Crafted in gold, this exquisite piece features intricately designed wings adorned with sparkling diamonds. The body showcases an aged turquoise stone, adding a pop of color. Two ruby...

Moonstone, diamond and ruby cabochon brooch by Carlo & Arthur Giuliano, circa 1890. Four large drop shaped moonstone cabochons with an approximate...

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....

Circa Late 19th Century. This antique brooch showcases a masterfully carved cameo depicting Iris, the messenger goddess, carrying the water of the River Styx to Olympus for the Achil...

Dating from the 1880s, this antique Victorian pendant locket with seed pearls and enamel is set in bloomed 18K gold. Suspended from a tapering...

Antique Half moon brooch featuring 19 old mine cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 1.25 carats set in 18 karat yellow gold. Metal Type: 18...

A sapphire, ruby, diamond and enamel brooch by Giuliano, with a central round brilliant-cut diamond, flanked by a round faceted ruby to one side and a round faceted sapphire to the ...

Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. A delightful Art Nouveau jewel, it represents a foliage set with three small natural pearls topped w...

Antique enamel brooch, 18K, Renaissance Revival, c. 1880. Slightly more than 1 inch in diameter, this brooch has French import marks both on th...

A magnificent, stunning, fine and impressive 1.45 carat sapphire, 6.16 carat diamond and natural pearl, 9 karat yellow gold and silver set crown brooch; part of our diverse array of Victorian brooches. This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian brooch has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a silver setting. The brooch has been modelled in the form of a crown/coronet. The pierced decorated band of the crown is embellished with alternating Old European cut diamonds and round faceted cut sapphires, each pavé set within lozenge shaped settings. This impressive band is surmounted with a curvilinear arrangement of fleur-delist, incorporating thirty pavé set diamonds and five natural yellow diamonds, in addition to a single claw set diamond to each incurve. The upper portion of this magnificent antique brooch incorporates protruding pales displaying six individually claw set natural brown diamonds, alternating with stunning natural pearls. The lower border of the crown bears a curvilinear border of thirteen Old European cut diamonds, completing the design. This antique crown brooch...

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

Five rubies are surrounded by rose cut diamonds in this Victorian brooch. The rubies are old cut, and are a slightly purplish red. Each ruby is 0.25 carat. Two diamond studded swirls...

Featuring a highly domed sapphire bullet cabochon weighing approximately 1.70 carats. Eye clean and true blue in color with medium saturation. Bezel set with a twisted rope and a concentric halo surround of gold beading. Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold. Signed Marcus for Marcus and Co...

A late Victorian gem-set butterfly brooch, the thorax with a round cabochon emerald, the abdomen with a pear-shaped rose-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.6 carats, the eyes set with round faceted rubies, and the wings embellished with faceted emeralds, rose-cut diamonds and two pear-shaped rubies, all millegrain-set in platinum and yellow gold mount, with gold brooch fitting, circa 1900, measuring 4.5 x 2.2 cm, gross weight 9.9 grams. This antique brooch is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked tested as 18ct gold and platinum. This beautiful late Victorian butterfly brooch...

Brooch in 18 karats yellow gold and silver. Lovely antique brooch in the shape of a horseshoe, it is set with an alternation of natural semi-pearls and cabochons of turquoises, space...

Year: 1860s Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Tested] Weight: 13.3 grams Measurement: 2inch x 1.5inch Condition: Excellent

Magnificent antique piece from the late 19th century, circa 1880. Crafted in 18k yellow Gold. The central panel is carefully painted with applications of enamel featuring the portrait of a lady. Accented with 31 Old mine Diamonds weighing approximately 0.62 carats. G-H graded color. This Art Nouveau...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 1890s 0.01 carat ruby and 18 karat yellow gold grouse brooch; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The brooch has been realistically modelled in the form of a grouse. This antique gold brooch has a textured finish, imitating the bird's feathers. The brooch is further embellished with a 0.01Ct cabochon cut ruby, representing the eye. This exceptional bird brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp. The ruby and gold brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold. This antique Victorian bird brooch...

Antique Victorian 9kt Gold ruby and diamond crescent brooch. This brooch features a crescent set with vibrant rubies and accent diamonds. The gemstones are arranged in a graduating ...

A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.13 carat garnet, 1.50 carat diamond and 0.04 carat emerald, 9ct yellow gold and silver set insect brooch; part of our antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections This stunning, fine and impressive antique brooch/pendant has been crafted in 9ct yellow gold and silver set. The brooch has been modelled in the form of a winged insect. The impressive wings are embellished with an array of mixed cut garnets, in a curvilinear graduating array to the outer margins. The fluted portion of each wing is further embellished with nine pavé set Old European cut diamonds. The wings conjoin with the insect's thorax, comprised of an impressive collet set mixed cut garnet. The abdomen displays an impressive pear-shaped mixed cut garnet, collet set to the nadir of the design. The head of the insect bears two pavé set Dutch cut diamonds, flanked with two collet set cabochon cut emeralds, representing the eyes. This stunning insect brooch/pendant is further embellished with gold legs and antennae, completing the design. This brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and C shaped clasp fastening. This versatile antique garnet insect brooch may also be worn as a pendant, suspends from a contemporary 18ct yellow gold 18' curb chain via the incorporated loop between the forearms and antennae, securing to the reverse with a conventional spring-loaded bolt ring. This impressive antique insect...