Catch a falling star...

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket,
Never let it fade away.
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket,
Save it for a rainy day.
(Lyrics by Lee Julien Pockriss and Paul J. Vance)

It is quite possible that this brooch was inspired by the passage of Halley’s comet in 1835. The passage of Halley’s comet inspired jewellers to create pieces in the shape of celestial bodies. This comet appears every 76 years. In 1705, Edmond Halley predicted, using Newton’s newly formulated laws of motion, that the comet seen in 1531, 1607, and 1682 would return in 1758 (which, alas, was after his death). The comet did indeed return as predicted and was later named in his honour.

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Click here to learn more about this Victorian diamond loaded brooch.‍