Late 19th Century Brooches

Circa 1890 An antique gold stickpin in the form of a horseshoe (a good luck symbol) is embellished with excellent royal blue old mine cut sapphires and antique cushion cut diamonds. ...

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

A Cartier Key to My Heart Brooch A beautiful pin made by Cartier depicting three intertwined heart keys held together by a magnificent Design...

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...

A Victorian diamond pinwheel cluster brooch, with a central cluster of old-cut diamonds, in cut down settings, with scrolling rays, each with three grain set diamonds, terminating wi...

This exquisite, one-of-a-kind antique love token brooch is a stunning example of 19th-century romantic jewelry. This is a wonderful piece dating to ...

A stunning fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.65 carat diamond, 22 karat yellow gold floral brooch; part of our floral brooch collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian brooch has been crafted in 22k yellow gold. The brooch has been modelled in the form of a three-dimensional stemmed flower* and leaves. The centre of the flower head is embellished with a feature claw set 0.32ct Old European round cut diamond. The feature diamond is encompassed with eleven individually protruding collet set Dutch cut diamonds totalling 0.33ct; these diamonds create the stamen of the flower. The substantial floral design is further ornamented with layered petals and a single bud design. This antique floral brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 22k gold; this indicates the high quality of the piece. This impressive brooch is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the supporting stones. Such large three dimensional examples in this very high quality are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. A Victorian gold and diamond floral brooch...

This charming and unusual brooch was hand crafted in the 1st half of the 19th century. was intended as a sentimental gift. It has been designed as a flower with five petals and was ...

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...

This beautifully hand-crafted heart has the perfect heart shape, it is the perfect love token. The heart was created out of 14K yellow gold in the last decades of the 19th century. T...

A Victorian 14k rose gold rose-cut diamond spider pin, set with a single rectangular shape emerald and natural pearl abdomen. Circa 1860. The spider's legs are set with 74 rose-cut...

Simply stunning Jet & gold Victorian Bar Pin Pin Back 10k Gold as well as details on the top. Measuring 2.37in. wide x .42in. top to bottom. Anti...

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

Austria, Vienna, circa 1880 An antique giardinetto (little garden) brooch / pendant – the diamond basket with ruby handles is holding a ruby and diamond flower, handcrafted in silver and 14K yellow gold. The pin is detachable. Marked with letter ‘A’ for Vienna on the loop of the screw. Estimated total ruby weight is 1.50 ct. Approximate total diamond weight is 2.10 ct. The diamonds (mostly old European cut stones...

We are delighted to offer this stunning antique Victorian French 18ct gold agate cameo brooch/pendant made c.1880 (period antique box included). The cameo depicts a lady 'in profil...

An antique Victorian brooch featuring two birds perched together on a gold branch, pavé-set with mixed old European and rose-cut diamonds. Each bird’s eye is accented with a small ru...

Fabulous cut steel brooch with three lyre shaped drops will sparkle day or night. Cut steel jewelry is said to have started in Woodstock, England wher...

An antique diamond, ruby, silver, and yellow gold brooch, comprising fifty-four rose cut diamonds, and one cabochon ruby, in silver and 15 and 9 karat yellow gold. This Victorian b...

This beautiful and delicate clover jewel comes in it's original fitted leather case, it has been crafted in England by Collingwood & Co around 1900. The elegant piece of jewellery ha...

Here we have a gorgeous antique sword and sheath brooch crafted from solid 14k yellow gold with a rich rosy tone during the early Victorian era. This brooch features an emerald cut n...

A beautifully detailed antique brooch, crafted in the Japanese Shakudō tradition. The circular plaque depicts an exquisite scene of two finely rendered birds nestled amongst flowerin...

Victorian Emerald, Pearl, and Diamond Brooch in 18k yellow gold and platinum.The brooch features a bow design with ribbons encrusted with total of 186 Old European, Old Mine and Sing...

Era: Victorian Date: 1880s - 1890s Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Garnet Cut: Round Color: Red Style: Solitaire Bar Brooch Fastening Type: Hinged Pin an...

Whimsical and rare, this antique stickpin (circa 1880–1900) features a finely crafted insect rendered in silver, its body and wings adorned with a colorful array of gemstones — glitt...

Victorian high relief sardonyx cameo of maiden with hair wreath decoration. The wreath and dress closure are carnelian toned against her alabaster profile....

Wonderful antique Victorian rose gold front engraved double heart Mizpah brooch. The brooch has the old "C" hook clasp and tube pin assembly. The makers mark is W C & S in a clover s...

This antique Victorian mourning brooch is a poignant and beautifully crafted piece of jewelry, rich with sentimental value and historical significance. Made from 14-karat gold with a...

A beautifully symbolic late Victorian brooch featuring three finely rendered swallows in rich 20k yellow gold, each captured mid-flight with exquisite naturalistic detail. The birds ...

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

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...

Antique, circa 1880-1910, 18K yellow gold and silver handmade dragonfly brooch/pendant slide with sapphire, opal, ruby and diamond. The plique-a-jour wings are pale blue/green ename...

Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond En Tremblant Flower Pin. This gorgeous flower pin is crafted in 18k yellow gold with a white gold clasp. The flower has o...

A stunning Victorian diamond sunburst brooch c.1880s, centred with an old cut diamond in cut down collect from which radiates twenty four curve...

A Magnificent late Victorian diamond-set butterfly brooch, the brooch in the form of a butterfly, the body, pierced wings and head set throughout with old brilliant- and rose-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of 15 carats, with ruby eyes, all set in silver to a yellow gold mount and brooch fitting, circa 1890, measuring approximately 7.1x4cm, gross weight 18.2 grams. This gorgeous butterfly brooch comes from the collection of Bentley Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to His Majesty King Charles III. This brooch is in the shape of a lovely butterfly modelled from silver and yellow gold, set throughout with a combined weight of 17 ¾ carats of dazzling diamonds. The diamonds are all old-cut and rose-cut, giving this piece alluring sparkle. The eyes of the butterfly are set with cabochon-cut rubies, a typical feature of Victorian jewellery depicting insects. This magnificent piece is a perfect example of late Victorian insect jewellery...

Elaborate tortoiseshell butterfly brooch decorated with gold filigree set with turquoise and garnets. These rare pieces likely influenced the design of pique jewelry...

This Victorian brooch is a beautiful example of 19th-century jewelry artistry, made in 14-karat gold and silver with remarkable attention to detail. The oval-shaped brooch features a...

14 k yellow gold shell cameo 19. century Germany 13 gram size 50 x 42 mm

This romantic antique cameo brooch depicts the mythological scene of Eros rescuing Psyche from the underworld, a powerful symbol of love overcoming darkness. Finely carved in shell w...

This impressive antique brooch or pendant was crafted during the Victorian ear in solid 14k yellow gold and features a large heart design that is set with a truly mesmerizing royal p...

Exquisite heirloom to admire, this petite Victorian Bar Pin Brooch in 14 karat yellow adds a touch of elegance and romance from an era gone-by. Presenting a trio of Jade cabochons, ...

Antique Russian lily of the valley brooch with old mine cut diamonds with an estimate diamond weight of 4 carats H color excellent spark magnifice...

This antique bar brooch is crafted in 14k yellow gold and showcases a refined combination of natural coral and lustrous pearls. The warm coral cabochons contrast beautifully against ...

Antique Victorian old-cut diamond Crescent Moon brooch in rose gold, 19th Century. Modelled as a Crescent Moon, this jewel is composed by 23 Old European brilliant-cut and rose-cut d...

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 rare jewel of Gothic inspiration, this exceptional stickpin (circa 1890) features a finely modeled gargoyle rendered in solid 10k gold, its almost comical gaze illuminated by two d...

Ornate metalwork in 14 karat yellow-rose gold is graced by artistic characteristics attributed to the Victorian era and packed into this petite brooch from the period. Scroll shapes ...

An incredible Italian micro mosaic urn locket/pin from the Victorian (circa 1880) era! This fabulous museum-worthy piece is made of vibrant 18kt yellow gold...

Victorian four Swallow Birds diamond brooch, circa 1890s. What a beautiful site to behold. These four Victorian swallow birds have such grace flying in unison in the sky. Each b...

A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.60 carat emerald, 4.22 carat diamond, 12 karat yellow gold and silver set star brooch/pendant; part of our diverse antique Victorian brooches collection. This stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian brooch/pendant has been crafted in 12k yellow gold with a silver setting. The convex stellate design is ornamented with a feature central claw set 1.61ct square faceted cut emerald. The feature gemstone is encompassed with an inverted scalloped setting ornamented with eight pavé set Old European round cut diamonds, accented with elongated star...

In very good condition. Total weight is 11.3 grams. Totally is diamond about 1.75 ct. Totally is ruby 0.08 ct. Acid tested to be 9k real gold. Please contact for any questions.

This Victorian brooch is emblematic of the naturalism found in jewelry from the late 19th century. Bugs were a popular motif, and the beetle was a particularly important symbol, representing renewal and transformation. The quintessential Victorian beetle...

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...

This gorgeous garnet brooch comes from the 1870s Victorian era. The brooch is made to resemble a flower, and features both round and rose cut garnets to achieve this look look. The b...

A beautifully preserved Victorian-era Italian pietra dura brooch from Florence, crafted in solid 14K yellow gold and featuring a finely inlaid hardstone floral motif. The oval plaque...

A Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Hopping Bunny Rabbit is a charming and whimsical piece of jewelry that showcases the skilled craftsmanship o...

Fabergé Ruby and Diamond Presentation Brooch, ca. 1890s A rare brooch depicting a blooming cherry blossom twig on a honeycomb background and showing an imperial crown with rubies and diamonds. This brooch is by the workmaster August Hollming (1854-1913), ca. 1880s, who worked for Fabergé. Peter Carl...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian 3.87 carat diamond, 9 karat white gold, silver set brooch; part of the antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This exceptional antique Victorian diamond brooch...

Charming Enamel and Seed Pearl Malard Brooch from the late 19th Century. Beautifully detailed with enamel and seed pearls. Wonderfully realistic foliage with cat tails. Central belly...

Large Victorian French Jet Multi Layer Brooch from the late 19th Century. Large scale with Maltese cross base, topped with layers of faceted pear shaped je...

BIRKS (1879-Present) - Antique 14K yellow gold oval brooch - set with one large oval faceted purple Amethyst (approx. .56 carats - 6.5 x 5 x 3 mm.) - surrounded by 12 small round fac...