What defines Victorian enamel jewellery from the late 19th century?

Victorian enamel jewellery from circa 1870 often features vibrant guilloche techniques, where vitreous enamel is applied over precise, machine-engraved patterns. These pieces frequently incorporate geometric symmetry, rich gem-set centres, and seed pearl surrounds.

What materials were traditionally used in 19th-century guilloche enamel brooches?

Craftspeople combined gold or silver mounts with powdered glass enamel fused at high temperatures over engine-turned metal. Accents commonly included natural split seed pearls, garnet cabochons, and inlaid turquoise.

How can one identify authentic Victorian guilloche enamel pieces?

Authentic examples exhibit hand-turned engine engraving beneath translucent enamel, period-correct pin findings or hanging loops, and natural irregular pearls rather than uniform modern fabrications.

How can an antique enamel brooch be styled in a modern interior?

Brooches of this era can be displayed flat inside velvet-lined trays, mounted within shadow boxes, or arranged on dressing table stands as decorative personal accents.

What care is required to preserve antique enamel and pearl jewellery?

Avoid exposure to liquids, chemicals, or sudden temperature changes, as moisture can damage porous seed pearls and cause enamel to fracture. Clean gently with a dry, lint-free cloth and store securely.

for sale €2,925 $3,175

£2,500

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Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

Name: Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1192033
Price: 2500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this exquisite antique Victorian 14ct gold and enamel brooch made c.1870.

The brooch features a fabulous target/bullseye design with a striking colour combination of red enamel, white seed pearls, a garnet cabochon and a turquoise accent in the centre.

The enamel guilloche has remained in great condition with no chips which is delightful for a piece of this age and the red tones contrasted by the two bands of white pearls certainly leave a striking and lasting impression.

Its design and the garnet cabochon in the centre is quintessentially Victorian and distinguishes itself from modern pieces. The garnet presents an alluring and almost mystical look as its tone drastically changes depending on the lighting and angle, from a very dark red to almost matching the enamel.

Such designs also offer the perfect opportunity to display high-level goldsmithing, with intricate and fine gold mounts in which the gems have been meticulously set with a seamless finish. The enamelling has a slight raised curvature, almost 'doughnut-like' - further displaying the intricacy and aesthetic craftsmanship of the period.

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 the red would occasionally glisten and come to life under spotlights. Ideal on a coat/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.

A thin chain could also be threaded between the pin and brooch to be worn as a pendant, however, we would caution such usage, as without a stopper, it may risk from slipping etc.

A very special gift for someone or as an indulgent addition for the discerning antique jewellery lover. This brooch is exemplary of the creative and meticulous Victorian jewellery making and is a wonderful way to display your passion for distinguished antiques, history and style.

Garnet is known to be the birthstone for January and pearls for June.

The brooch is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period and as such, we have tested it, indicating 14ct gold, with a silver back locket frame. Please note the pin is not gold.

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

Size & Total Weight

3.6cm

17.51g/0.56 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 Enamel Pearl Brooch to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1192033

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 14ct gold and enamel brooch made c.1870.

“

The brooch features a fabulous target/bullseye design with a striking colour combination of red enamel, white seed pearls, a garnet cabochon and a turquoise accent in the centre.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 1. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

The enamel guilloche has remained in great condition with no chips which is delightful for a piece of this age and the red tones contrasted by the two bands of white pearls certainly leave a striking and lasting impression.

fig 2. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 2. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

Its design and the garnet cabochon in the centre is quintessentially Victorian and distinguishes itself from modern pieces. The garnet presents an alluring and almost mystical look as its tone drastically changes depending on the lighting and angle, from a very dark red to almost matching the enamel.

fig 3. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 3. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

Such designs also offer the perfect opportunity to display high-level goldsmithing, with intricate and fine gold mounts in which the gems have been meticulously set with a seamless finish. The enamelling has a slight raised curvature, almost 'doughnut-like' - further displaying the intricacy and aesthetic craftsmanship of the period.

fig 4. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 4. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

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 the red would occasionally glisten and come to life under spotlights. Ideal on a coat/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 5. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 5. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

A thin chain could also be threaded between the pin and brooch to be worn as a pendant, however, we would caution such usage, as without a stopper, it may risk from slipping etc.

A very special gift for someone or as an indulgent addition for the discerning antique jewellery lover. This brooch is exemplary of the creative and meticulous Victorian jewellery making and is a wonderful way to display your passion for distinguished antiques, history and style.

fig 6. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 6. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

Garnet is known to be the birthstone for January and pearls for June.

The brooch is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period and as such, we have tested it, indicating 14ct gold, with a silver back locket frame. Please note the pin is not gold.

fig 7. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 7. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

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

Size & Total Weight

3.6cm

17.51g/0.56 troy oz

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

fig 8. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 8. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

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.

fig 9. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 9. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

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 10. A circular Victorian red guilloche enamel brooch featuring concentric seed pearl borders, a central dark garnet cabochon, and a small turquoise accent set in gold. — fig 10. Antique Red Enamel Guilloche Brooch/pendant Garnet, Pearls 14k Gold C.1870

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.