Late Victorian Diamond Bee Brooch, Ruby Thorax and Emerald Eyes

Circa 1890, a late Victorian bee brooch in 18 carat red gold with silver set wings, the body and four wings bright with rose cut diamonds. A single ruby sits at the thorax, while two emerald eyes give the creature a quick, watchful look. The abdomen is striped with diamonds, nicely articulated with slender legs. In Victorian jewellery, the bee was often read as a token of industry and devotion, sweetness earned rather than given. A small brooch with real character.

Jewellery Type
brrooch

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
Although the jewel bears French hallmarks, its exact origin is unknown. For an explanation, see the section on hallmarks.

Style
Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
See also: Victorian
more info on styles

Period
ca. 1890
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
Mother Nature

Theme
bee

Material 18K
red gold gold and details in silver (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Diamonds
25 rose cut diamonds . We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.

- All diamonds, regardless of their size or shape, in our vintage and antique jewellery are verified as 100% natural by the IJGC laboratory.

Precious stones
One ruby . We did not check if the ruby is lab produced or not as this information has no influence on the value of this jewel. Natural rubies and lab produced rubies were both used in this era, rather more for their effect than for their intrinsic value.
Two emeralds . We did not check if the emeralds are lab produced or not as this information has no influence on the value of this jewel. Natural emeralds and lab produced emeralds were both used in this era, rather more for their effect than for their intrinsic value.
Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April, ruby for July and emerald for May.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
Although it carries a typical French control mark representing an owl , we cannot be sure it is actually French as the owl was also used for items in finished condition that were brought to be examined by the French Assay office (the eagle’s head was used for items brought in unfinished).
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
3,60 cm (1,42 inch) x 1,97 cm (0,78 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
4,30 gram (2,76 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
26050-0264

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

Additional information
our latest acquisitions
jewelry glossary
wall of fame
visit us in Antwerp
subscribe to our mailinglist