This exquisite late Art Nouveau brooch, hallmarked by Arthur Johnson Smith of Frederick Street, Birmingham and dated 1918 by the British hallmark letter "t", is a rare example of English craftsmanship from the twilight of the movement. Fashioned in sterling silver, the piece is a testament to the period’s fascination with nature and the organic world, as seen in its flowing, sinuous lines and asymmetrical form—hallmarks of Art Nouveau design.
Measuring approximately 4.7 cm in length and 1.1 cm in width, the brooch features a vibrant green enamel, masterfully applied to evoke the lush vitality celebrated by the era’s jewellers. The enamel’s painterly gradient is complemented by twinkling paste cut-crystals, whose gentle sparkle rivals that of real diamonds, adding a touch of flirtatious brilliance to the piece. A pin hinge and c-clasp speak to the antique nature of this item.
Nature-inspired motifs, a defining characteristic of Art Nouveau jewellery, are elegantly rendered here, with every curve and detail reflecting the movement’s reverence for the natural world. This brooch is not only a wearable work of art but also a piece of history, capturing the spirit of innovation and beauty that defined early 20th-century British jewellery.