What is the history behind Victorian crescent moon brooches?

Crescent moon brooches gained widespread popularity during the late Victorian era, particularly the 1880s and 1890s. The motif symbolized spirituality, change, and female empowerment, often given as tokens of affection.

What materials were typically used in Victorian celestial brooches?

These brooches were commonly forged in 15K or 18K yellow gold or silver-topped gold settings. Gemstones such as native rubies, old cut diamonds, sapphires, and seed pearls were claw-set or grain-set along the curve.

How can you identify authentic Victorian crescent brooches?

Authentic pieces usually feature hand-cut gemstones like cushion or rose cut diamonds, C-clasp closures with extended pin stems, and period hallmark stamps or makers marks on the reverse framework.

How do you wear a vintage crescent brooch today?

Brooches can be fastened to blazer lapels, heavy coat collars, silk scarves, or worn in clusters on denim and knitwear for a contemporary layered aesthetic.

How should nineteenth-century ruby and diamond jewellery be maintained?

Clean gently using warm water, mild soap, and a soft-bristled brush, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners. Periodically inspect the claws holding the gemstones to ensure settings remain secure.

for sale €1,697 $1,842

£1,450

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Victorian Ruby Brooch

Victorian Crescent Moon Pin

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Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18k Gold - C.1880

Name: Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18k Gold - C.1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1182993
Price: 1450 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this exquisite antique Victorian 18ct gold ruby & diamond brooch c.1880.

Celestial jewellery was increasingly in vogue during the Victorian era as renewed fascination with stars & heavens carried into fashion and goldsmithing. The crescent moon was a symbol of the Greek God Selene, representing feminine empowerment and change, just like the phases of the moon.

This brooch is meticulously set with graduating rubies and diamonds, a timeless colour combination and irresistibly sweet.

In addition to symbolism, such designs also offer the perfect opportunity to display high-level goldsmithing, with intricate and fine gold mounts, curves and angles to ensure the rubies and diamonds dazzle in their finest light.

Splendid in a collection, but better yet, perfect for wearing with a variety of outfits, whether it be for a special occasion or to an evening party where diamonds would occasionally glisten and come to life under spotlights. Ideal on a jacket lapel, a stylish blouse in the warmer months or on a one-piece dress for more formal occasions, this brooch would grace and immediately elevate your outfit with a single point of distinguished interest.

An enchanting gift for someone very special or as an addition for the discerning antique jewellery lover. This brooch offers a lovely and romantic air and is a wonderful way to display your passion for distinguished antiques, history and style.

Diamond is known to be the birthstone for April and rubies for July.

The brooch is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period and as such, we have tested it, indicating 18ct gold.

All of our jewellery comes with a complimentary hard shell gift box with a velvet interior.

Size & Total Weight

2.5cm x 2.5cm

4.10g/0.132 troy oz

Condition: great antique condition with no issues or damage, only some slight surface wear as expected with antiques of this age.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please kindly refer to the photos for further details.

*Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Ruby Crescent Brooch to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1182993

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this exquisite antique Victorian 18ct gold ruby & diamond brooch c.1880.

“

Celestial jewellery was increasingly in vogue during the Victorian era as renewed fascination with stars & heavens carried into fashion and goldsmithing.

Artisan Antiques

The crescent moon was a symbol of the Greek God Selene, representing feminine empowerment and change, just like the phases of the moon.

fig 1. An 18K gold Victorian crescent moon brooch set with alternating cushion-cut rubies and old-cut diamonds. — fig 1. Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18k Gold - C.1880

This brooch is meticulously set with graduating rubies and diamonds, a timeless colour combination and irresistibly sweet.

In addition to symbolism, such designs also offer the perfect opportunity to display high-level goldsmithing, with intricate and fine gold mounts, curves and angles to ensure the rubies and diamonds dazzle in their finest light.

fig 2. An 18K gold Victorian crescent moon brooch set with alternating cushion-cut rubies and old-cut diamonds. — fig 2. Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18k Gold - C.1880

Splendid in a collection, but better yet, perfect for wearing with a variety of outfits, whether it be for a special occasion or to an evening party where diamonds would occasionally glisten and come to life under spotlights. Ideal on a jacket lapel, a stylish blouse in the warmer months or on a one-piece dress for more formal occasions, this brooch would grace and immediately elevate your outfit with a single point of distinguished interest.

fig 3. An 18K gold Victorian crescent moon brooch set with alternating cushion-cut rubies and old-cut diamonds. — fig 3. Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18k Gold - C.1880

An enchanting gift for someone very special or as an addition for the discerning antique jewellery lover. This brooch offers a lovely and romantic air and is a wonderful way to display your passion for distinguished antiques, history and style.

fig 4. An 18K gold Victorian crescent moon brooch set with alternating cushion-cut rubies and old-cut diamonds. — fig 4. Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18k Gold - C.1880

Diamond is known to be the birthstone for April and rubies for July.

The brooch is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period and as such, we have tested it, indicating 18ct gold.

All of our jewellery comes with a complimentary hard shell gift box with a velvet interior.

fig 5. An 18K gold Victorian crescent moon brooch set with alternating cushion-cut rubies and old-cut diamonds. — fig 5. Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18k Gold - C.1880

Size & Total Weight

2.5cm x 2.5cm

4.10g/0.132 troy oz

Condition: great antique condition with no issues or damage, only some slight surface wear as expected with antiques of this age.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

fig 6. An 18K gold Victorian crescent moon brooch set with alternating cushion-cut rubies and old-cut diamonds. — fig 6. Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18k Gold - C.1880

Please kindly refer to the photos for further details.

Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

fig 7. An 18K gold Victorian crescent moon brooch set with alternating cushion-cut rubies and old-cut diamonds. — fig 7. Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18k Gold - C.1880

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.