Victorian Whimsy: A Delicate Brooch with a 16 Carat Gold Insect
Step into the enchanting world of Victorian curiosities with this exquisite late 19th-century insect brooch – a wearable masterpiece that blends artistry, science, and whimsy. Crafted during an era of technological discovery and romantic naturalism, this piece is a testament to the Victorian love for intricate storytelling through jewellery. Lightweight yet brimming with character, it’s a captivating fusion of nature and innovation.
Exquisite Craftsmanship, Timeless Detail - Materials & Design
16-carat Gold Insect: Meticulously tested with XRF scanning for precious metals (see photograph), its delicate structure balances durability with featherlight elegance.
Pin: Alloy stock pin mechanism.
Synthetic Ruby Thorax: A lab-created gemstone that mirrors the allure of natural rubies – a Victorian innovation reflecting the era’s fascination with replicating nature’s beauty through science. From a chemical standpoint, these rubies are corundum just like natural rubies.
Seed Pearl Abdomen: A single, luminous natural pearl adds organic warmth, contrasting elegantly with the ruby’s vibrant depth.
Split Pearl Wings: Expertly handcrafted to mimic the iridescent shimmer of insect wings, showcasing a signature technique of 19th-century jewellers.
Wearable Charm
Petite Proportions: At just 3.5cm long and 2.1 grams, this brooch is designed to adorn collars, scarves, or lapels without weighing down fabrics – ideal for adding subtle drama to daytime or evening wear.
Conversation-Starting Allure: A nod to Victorian entomology collections and the era’s symbolic use of insects (emblems of transformation and resilience).
An Enchanting Piece
Synthetic gemstones like this ruby were revolutionary in the 1880s, offering ethical alternatives to mined stones long before modern sustainability trends.
The split pearl wings highlight a nearly forgotten technique, while the anatomically inspired design mirrors the Victorians’ blend of scientific precision and artistic flair.
Modern versatility: Pair it with a crisp blouse for daytime intrigue, a velvet blazer for evening allure, or a vintage-inspired scarf – a bridge between antique charm and contemporary style.
Antique Victorian Synthetic Ruby, Seed Pearl & Split Pearl Insect Stock Pin
As part of the circular economy, this antique item has been pre-treasured and loved for well over 100 years. As is typical for an item of this age, there are a few fine surface scratches and abrasions, forming an attractive patina that speaks to its history. The synthetic ruby appears a medium pinkish-red and is well saturated with colour, with minor abrasions to facet edges visible under magnification. These characteristics are commensurate with the age of this exquisite antique 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.
