What characterises Victorian insect jewellery from the late nineteenth century?

Victorian insect jewellery often featured stylized flies, bees, and beetles crafted from precious metals and gemstones. Popularized during the mid-to-late nineteenth century, these pieces reflected a fascination with natural history, entomology, and symbolic representations of diligence and transformation.

What materials were traditionally used in Etruscan Revival jewellery?

Etruscan Revival jewellery typically utilized high-carat yellow gold decorated with techniques such as granulation, filigree, and wirework. These gold settings were frequently paired with hardstones like bloodstone, onyx, or jasper, alongside accent gemstones including rubies, sapphires, and diamonds.

How can authentic Victorian brooches be identified?

Authentic Victorian brooches often exhibit hand-applied granulation, tube or c-clasp closures, elongated pin stems extending past the rim, and period-specific gemstones such as rose-cut diamonds or cabochon rubies. High-carat unhallmarked gold was also common prior to strict modern assay requirements.

How can an antique insect brooch be worn today?

An antique insect brooch can be worn on a coat lapel, attached to a silk scarf, or pinned onto a velvet ribbon worn as a choker. Grouping multiple small insect brooches together on a blazer or jacket shoulder creates a contemporary clustered look.

How should antique gold and bloodstone jewellery be preserved?

Clean antique gold and hardstone jewellery gently using a soft lint-free cloth without harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Store the piece in a dry, fabric-lined box to protect the fine wirework and delicate gemstone settings from abrasion.

for sale €3,101 $3,366

£2,650

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Id #SA1141969

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Antique 0.39ct Ruby, Bloodstone, 0.18ct Diamond and 21ct Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1880

Name: Antique 0.39ct Ruby, Bloodstone, 0.18ct Diamond and 21ct Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1141969
Price: 2650 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by AC Silver

Description

A stunning, fine and impressive, antique 0.39 carat ruby, bloodstone, 0.18 carat diamond and 21 carat yellow gold brooch; part of our diverse antique bloodstone jewellery collection.

This stunning antique brooch has been crafted in 21ct yellow gold.

The circular frame is embellished with a central feature collet set bloodstone panel, encompassed with a chain link decorated border.

This impressive feature panel is surmounted with a fly* motif, ornamented with two pavé set oval faceted cut rubies, in addition to six pavé set Dutch cut diamonds totalling 0.18ct.

The central panel is encompassed a domed border accented with eight cabochon cut rubies amidst circular motifs alternating with stylised bow designs, all on a matte texture.

This brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp fastening.

This gemstone brooch in gold has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 21ct gold; this indicates the high quality of the piece.

This impressive Victorian brooch is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card.

An antique bloodstone brooch is a meaningful and symbolic gift, particularly suited for March birthdays, as bloodstone is the month's traditional birthstone.

NOTE: * Fly-themed jewellery was popular in the Victorian era, symbolising the period's fascination with nature, mortality and the transient beauty of life.

Images do not always reflect the true colour and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone.

Condition

This impressive gold brooch in yellow gold is exceptional quality, set with an impressive bloodstone panel and impressive rubies displaying fine colour and brilliance.

As often the case with smaller Dutch cut diamonds they bear a lower clarity grade of P1, however, they create an aesthetically pleasing antique appearance.

The brooch is a exceptional gauge of gold and is in excellent condition.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique bloodstone jewellery.

Ruby Quality

Cut Cabochon/Oval Faceted

Content 0.39 carat

Diamond Quality

Colour (average grades) H

Clarity (average grades) P1

Cut Dutch

Content 0.18 carat

Number of Diamonds

6

Dimensions

Diameter 3.65cm/1.44'

Across pin 2.9cm/1.14'

Height of setting 1.31cm/0.51'

Weight

11.02 grams

Date: Circa 1880

A video is available upon request.

Physical Dimensions

Height

1.3cm (0.51")

Width

3.6cm (1.42")

Declaration

AC Silver has dated this Victorian Bloodstone Ruby Brooch to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1141969

Dealers Internal Reference

C9195

Dealers Notes

PLEASE NOTE: AC Silver takes pride in offering only quality items for sale.

This pride in quality includes the professional, efficient and personal service extended to all AC Silver customers.

All items purchased usually dispatched within 24 hours following cleared payment.

All items are professionally and securely packaged, sent FREE of charge and are FULLY INSURED during transit.

FREE worldwide international deliveries are via FedEx International Priority Service.

AC Silver is pleased to provide a 30-day money back guarantee.

Description

A stunning, fine and impressive, antique 0.39 carat ruby, bloodstone, 0.

“

18 carat diamond and 21 carat yellow gold brooch; part of our diverse antique bloodstone jewellery collection.

AC Silver

This stunning antique brooch has been crafted in 21ct yellow gold.

fig 1. A circular Victorian 21ct yellow gold domed brooch featuring a central bloodstone inlay with a diamond and ruby insect motif, surrounded by granulation and accent rubies. — fig 1. Antique 0.39ct Ruby, Bloodstone, 0.18ct Diamond and 21ct Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1880

The circular frame is embellished with a central feature collet set bloodstone panel, encompassed with a chain link decorated border.

This impressive feature panel is surmounted with a fly* motif, ornamented with two pavé set oval faceted cut rubies, in addition to six pavé set Dutch cut diamonds totalling 0.18ct.

fig 2. A circular Victorian 21ct yellow gold domed brooch featuring a central bloodstone inlay with a diamond and ruby insect motif, surrounded by granulation and accent rubies. — fig 2. Antique 0.39ct Ruby, Bloodstone, 0.18ct Diamond and 21ct Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1880

The central panel is encompassed a domed border accented with eight cabochon cut rubies amidst circular motifs alternating with stylised bow designs, all on a matte texture.

This brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp fastening.

fig 3. A circular Victorian 21ct yellow gold domed brooch featuring a central bloodstone inlay with a diamond and ruby insect motif, surrounded by granulation and accent rubies. — fig 3. Antique 0.39ct Ruby, Bloodstone, 0.18ct Diamond and 21ct Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1880

This gemstone brooch in gold has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 21ct gold; this indicates the high quality of the piece.

This impressive Victorian brooch is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card.

fig 4. A circular Victorian 21ct yellow gold domed brooch featuring a central bloodstone inlay with a diamond and ruby insect motif, surrounded by granulation and accent rubies. — fig 4. Antique 0.39ct Ruby, Bloodstone, 0.18ct Diamond and 21ct Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1880

An antique bloodstone brooch is a meaningful and symbolic gift, particularly suited for March birthdays, as bloodstone is the month's traditional birthstone.

NOTE: * Fly-themed jewellery was popular in the Victorian era, symbolising the period's fascination with nature, mortality and the transient beauty of life.

fig 5. A circular Victorian 21ct yellow gold domed brooch featuring a central bloodstone inlay with a diamond and ruby insect motif, surrounded by granulation and accent rubies. — fig 5. Antique 0.39ct Ruby, Bloodstone, 0.18ct Diamond and 21ct Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1880

Images do not always reflect the true colour and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone.

Condition

This impressive gold brooch in yellow gold is exceptional quality, set with an impressive bloodstone panel and impressive rubies displaying fine colour and brilliance.

fig 6. A circular Victorian 21ct yellow gold domed brooch featuring a central bloodstone inlay with a diamond and ruby insect motif, surrounded by granulation and accent rubies. — fig 6. Antique 0.39ct Ruby, Bloodstone, 0.18ct Diamond and 21ct Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1880

As often the case with smaller Dutch cut diamonds they bear a lower clarity grade of P1, however, they create an aesthetically pleasing antique appearance.

The brooch is a exceptional gauge of gold and is in excellent condition.