British Brooches

Magnificent hand-carved shell antique cameo brooch pendant featuring a the artist's depiction of the Three Graces framed in an elaborate 9 karat yellow gold frame. Victorian period...

The British house of E. Wolfe & Co. has a very long history of creating wonderful and whimsical animal brooches and, this adorable little Teddy Bear is certainly no exception. With a...

An Edwardian pearl and diamond brooch on offer at Bentley & Skinner, Jewellers by Royal Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III. The br...

From the designer Tiffany & Co. comes this charming butterfly brooch. Dating to the 1980s, this brooch is crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, with a body of platinum. Down its body sits...

An elegant platinum diamond brooch designed as a stylised leaf spray, set with marquise, baguette and round brilliant-cut diamonds. The design flows gracefully with a combination of ...

An important Giuliano Renaissance-Revival gold and enamel gem-set brooch, the brooch decorated with the figure of Venus enamelled en ronde bosse, holding up a diamond-set mirror and ...

This elegant Edwardian oval brooch is crafted in platinum with an 18 carat yellow gold back. At its heart lies a rub over set 0.20 carat old cut diamond, surrounded by eight 0.05 car...

This gorgeous 18 Carat gold cannetille brooch holds a shiny red garnet stone. The detail surrounding this stone is exquisite. This piece could be either a brooch or a pendant. Face...

An incredibly detailed piece by Edward Wolfe & Co. done in 18K white and yellow gold as well as incredibly detailed black enamel and set with approximatel...

A diamond star brooch of 49 old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 12.50 carats total, set on an antique-style prong setting. Accented with a silver topped gold mounting. C...

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...

Charming mid Victorian Jeweled Lizard Brooch set with tiny vibrant green pastes (to emulate demantoid garnets) and oversized ruby glass "eyes" set in gol...

A Victorian 18kt gold dress pin decorated with an enamel and micro seed pearls crest crown, overall length 51 mm.

Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring of Pearls Pin. Delicate and dainty 3mm pearls set in a circle for a simple yet elegant design. The size of pin pendant is...

Large Victorian English Sterling silver Filigree Basket Brooch from the late 19th Century. Elaborate wire work forms the central basket motif an...

Unusual "anchor" themed brooch from the late 19th Century. Made of 15ct pink gold, Gucci style links suspend the anchor from a bar pin. 11.3 grams. 2" x 3.5". Excellent condition.

Rare Pair of Georgian REGARD Turtle Dove Brooches, ca. 1820s A symbolic and museum-collectable example of acrostic jewels, featuring two doves, mounted with various gemstones, where the gems spell out "regard" - (R)uby (E)merald (G)arnet (A)methyst (R)uby (D)iamond. The pieces are further accentuated with fine cannetille gold work throughout. About Acrostic Jewellery and Turtle Doves In acrostic jewels the first letter of each gemstone spells out a word. Typical examples are words of endearment like "adore", "dearest" and "regard". The utterly romantic trend of acrostic jewels began in the Georgian era and flourished throughout the Victorian period. It is believed that acrostic jewelry was first created by Jean-Baptiste Mellerio of the House of Mellerio, who started designing jewels with gems that spelled out “j’adore.” Napoleon Bonaparte admired Mellario’s acrostic designs and commissioned acrostic jewels for both Empress Josephine and his second wife, Empress Marie Louise. Secret messages of love encoded in gems went perfectly with the Georgian and Victorian love of romance and symbolic meanings. These sentimental jewels would have been gifted to lovers, family members, or even treasured friends. Further to being acrostic jewels, these doves also represent love and faithfulness, because they mate for life, work together to build nests and raise their young together. They are immortalized in literary and poetic works, such as the Old Testament, and artists like Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser...

This sweet brooch is modelled in 9carat gold and has a heart at the centre. The heart has ruby and pearls set into it and adds a little sparkle! Th...

A diamond bee brooch, in the form of a bumble bee in flight, the delicately veined wings, domed body and thorax and outstretched legs encrusted with...

A fine antique Georgian gold, seed pearl, hair, and enamel mourning brooch. With braided or plaited hair behind glass in a worked gold setting set with seed pearls and surrounded by a black enamel band. The reverse bears a pin for attachment and likely had a jump ring removed. In the Georgian and Victorian eras, woven hair art was used to memorialize a departed loved one or given as a keepsake memorial for a loved one in their absence. The gold tests at 10k. Simply a wonderful Georgian mourning brooch...

A finely crafted Art Deco platinum bow brooch from the 1920s, set with natural calibre-cut sapphires and old European cut diamonds arranged in an elegant sculptural ribbon motif. Thi...

Victorian, sterling silver (unmarked, but tested)-mounted, slate - backed, Scottish agate brooch, Scotland, Ca. 1880's. Lovely pink and gray stones. @3"long x over 1" deep. Ring on s...

This fabulous antique brooch, masterfully designed with elegant Art Nouveau accents, features a wonderful black opal cabouchon measuring 20 x 17mm, rub-over set in the centre in an 1...

Helping Hands pin with enamel This collection of pins ins inspired by societies need to come together and help fight global warming and protect the planet we...

A Victorian hardstone cameo brooch pendant with blue enamel and pearl surround, the hardstone cameo depicting a female face in the Roman style s...

Crafted in rich 15 carat rose gold and dating back to the 1930s, this bug brooch showcases the beauty of Art Deco design with intricate detailing and fine artistry. The piece is bro...

A 19th century aquamarine and garnet snake brooch/pendant, fine and elaborate chased gold finish to the body with chain,set with oval-shaped aquamarines and cabochon garnets, with r...

Add a touch of vintage charm and elegance to your jewelry collection with this exquisite 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Translucent Enamel Poodle Brooch, a delightful piece from the 1950s....

You can't help but admire this attractive antique Edwardian era 9ct gold cameo brooch. A nicely carved bullmouth shell cameo depicting Nyx the Greek goddess and personification of n...

Large Victorian oval polished banded agate within black greek enamel frame in original case. Size : 4,5cm x 4,2cm

While the craze for Lover’s Eye miniatures flourished from the 1790s through the 1820s—spurred on by the Prince of Wales’ famously illicit romance with Maria Fitzherbert—this brooc...

Victorian Etruscan Revival 15K yellow gold bar brooch/pin - set with three old mine cut diamonds (center one - 2 mm. diameter flanked by one on each side - 1.5 mm. diameter each) - hand made with fine detail including twisted gold rope...

A late Georgian diamond-set aigrette brooch, in the form of a diamond-set spray with two diamond-set flowers and a diamond-set bow, the knot of the set with an old mine-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.7 carats, the small old mine-cut diamonds estimated to weigh a further total of 9 carats, all grain and cut-down set in silver to yellow gold back, with later gold brooch fitting, circa 1810, measuring 6.5 x 3.5cm, gross weight 15.9 grams. This antique brooch is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked, tested as silver and 18ct gold, with 15ct gold later brooch fitting. This superb late Georgian diamond aigrette...

Dating to the 1920s this pair of bird brooches are truly unique. A total of 1.00 carat of old cut diamonds and 0.50 carats of rubies adorn each bird, bringing them to life. Hand craf...

Adorable! Double Koala bear brooch by Graff! Fancy yellow & colorless diamonds with estimated weight of 19.75 carats Yellow diamonds range from fa...

Diamond floral spray brooch. Set with one drop shape old mine diamond in an open back cutdown setting with a weight of 1.80 carats, and fif...

E Wolfe & Company Handmade 18 carat Yellow and White Gold Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite Garnet and Ruby Brooch. This Kingfishers brooch has been handm...

A Victorian enamel, pearl and diamond brooch, the central silver entwined double heart and ribbon bow motif encrusted with rose-cut diamonds, to a cobalt blue guilloché enamel round ...

Victorian yellow gold Etruscan Revival brooch with locket to the back - fine and elaborate engraved gold scroll pattern to the front panel - hand made featuring gold balls to the rim...

Main old-cut diamond, approx. 0.6 ct., Four old-cut diamonds, together approx. 1.55 ct., Approx. 86 rose and old-cut diamonds, together approx. 2.5 ct. , a pearl, D. approx. 9.0 mm S...

An 18 karat yellow gold, brownish green stone, enamel and diamond brooch, Elizabeth Gage. Designed as a bezel set brownish green stone carved in the form of a honeybee with black en...

A Belle Epoque diamond-set dragonfly brooch, the body and the head set with fourteen old European-cut diamonds, the wings set with fifty-two rose-cut diamonds, the diamonds estimated to weigh 3 carats in total, all mounted in silver to yellow-gold back, bearing French gold hallmarks for 18ct gold, circa 1890, measuring approximately 4x4cm, gross weight 9.2 grams. Belle Epoque brooch in Excellent condition. This stunning, antique dragonfly brooch...

A wonderful late Victorian demantoid and diamond frog brooch/ pendant, circa 1890, the frog formed in silver on gold with gold feet and pavé set throughout with bright and lively old...

A Victorian diamond and pearl scroll brooch, the central pearl surrounded by a cluster formed of eight old brilliant-cut diamonds, set between four pear-shape pearl and diamond clust...

A late Victorian multi-gem butterfly brooch, the wings and body encrusted with old-cut and rose-cut diamonds, highlighted with demantoid garnets, and rubies, with cabochon-cut sapphire eyes, set in silver to a yellow gold mount and brooch fitting, circa 1890, measures approximately 3x1.3cm, gross weight 3.1 grams. This antique brooch is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked, tested as 18ct gold and silver, with later 18ct gold clasp. This colourful and delicate Victorian butterfly brooch...

Rare Authentic 1890s-1900s Antique Victorian English Rose Cut Diamonds Crescent Moon Yellow Gold Silver Brooch Pin Bar This slim smile of a moon--a waxing crescent--is aglitter with ...

A Victorian diamond, ruby, emerald, silver, and yellow gold pendant and brooch, comprising twelve cushion shaped emeralds, four round cut rubies, three cushion shaped rubies, four ol...

This Sweet antique crescent and shamrock brooch is so amazingly beautiful. A scarce and unusual piece it is a delicate and dainty piece with a beautif...

A Victorian diamond, emerald and pearl caduceus brooch, the staff set with ten faceted emeralds estimated to weigh a total of 0.8 carats mounted in 18c...

An antique diamond, silver, and yellow gold brooch, comprising fifty-four old mine cut diamond and forty-seven rose cut diamonds, in silver and 14 karat yellow gold. My favourite t...

An Edwardian star ruby and diamond cluster stick pin, the oval shaped cabochon-cut ruby estimated to weigh 0.5 carats, surrounded by eighteen rose-cut d...

Georgian Dated 1750-1800 silver and gold rose-cut diamond brooch. Approx. 4 1/2 cts of diamonds. Very fine workmanship. Weight is ap 17.2 dwts, Size is ap 3 .14 x 1.64 inches.

A delicate diamond studded bird is perched upon an 18 carat yellow gold branch. The diamonds are round brilliant cut, and are F colour and VS clarity. The bird is made of 18 carat wh...

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 current day. They have been lauded for their skilled craftsmanship worldwide, including even the British royal family, having held a royal warrant for over 120 years as "His Majesty’s Clockmaker and Keeper and Dresser of His Majesty’s Clocks, Watches and Pendulums in Palaces and Houses in his Ancient Kingdom of Scotland” and retitled in 2010 as “Silversmiths and Clock Specialists to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”. Renowned for their exquisite jewelry, clockwork, giftwares, and even trophies and bespoke whiskey bottles, Hamilton & Inches is deeply ingrained in the UK's jewelry industry. A stunning diamond crescent pin...

For those who like sweets, I offer a brooch together with earrings In sterling silver with gold overlay, with the now known Japanese aesthetic. Japanese art of this Victorian period ...

The Georgians and Victorians were fond of symbolism in their jewelry and crafted jewelry to commemorate important life experiences such as birth, love, betrothal, and mourning or death. Events such as Halley’s Comet sightings, which occur about every 75 years, served as inspiration for such jewelry forms. Georgian jewelers were the first to create Halley’s comet brooches...

An original antique from the Edwardian era, circa 1910, featuring a natural pearl and a 1.69 carat European-cut diamond certified by the GIA. The delightful piece features 3 seed pearls along with a natural 8mm round pearl in its center. It is complemented by fine quality old-cut diamonds set around the piece creating flower motifs. Finishing the piece is a 1.69 carat I VS2 round diamond drop adding decadence to this garland style brooch...

A 13.56-carat gold crescent brooch with 62 old-cut diamonds and 4 rose diamonds (app. 4 carats) set in silver, circa 1860. weight: 8.3 g dimensions: 3.4 x 3.2 cm

Period: Late 19th century. Lenght: 5 cm. Weight: 9,97 gr. An antique flower designed brooch with old cut diamonds and four natural pearls, in a silver and gold setting.

A British liberty art-nouveau style pendant brooch. This is a superb pendant-brooch created in England in the beginnings of the Liberty style period, back in 1890. The piece has be...