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.
Antique Sterling Silver & Enamel Lily-of-the-Valley Brooch
Paste in Jewellery: "Paste" refers to a type of glass—typically with a high lead content—that is cut and polished to imitate gemstones. The addition of lead gives paste stones a high refractive index, making them particularly brilliant and sparkly, often more so than ordinary glass or rock crystal. While paste shares some qualities with crystal due to its lead glass composition, the term specifically denotes these hand-cut, gem-like imitations used in antique and period jewellery
Lily of the Valley in Victorian Floral Parlance: In Victorian England, lily of the valley symbolised a return to happiness. It was regarded as a flower representing purity, sweetness, good luck, and the renewal of joyful feelings. This delicate bloom was often used to convey positive sentiments and hope for brighter days ahead.
Condition: As part of the circular economy, this antique Art Nouveau item has been pre-treasured and loved. As is typical for an item of this age, there are a few fine scratches on the silver, very slight crazing to the enamel which is visible under loupe magnification, and an attractive patina that comes with over a century of use. These characteristics are commensurate with the age of this exquisite item and do not detract from its overall beauty and charm. Instead, they add to its unique character and authenticity as a genuine piece of history.
Security: This item has a small loop on the reverse to add a security chain if you wish.