Ladybug BUG Beetle GARNET Wing Rose Cut Diamond French Antique Victorian Figural Pin Brooch for Pendant 18k Gold

ABOUT:

Oh those clever Victorians and their wonderful, whimsical figural jewelry! Thank heavens for them!
Here we have a fabulous and nice sized bug brooch or connector pin that has two custom cut glossy glowing red garnets to serve as the wings. They flare out slightly to reveal the body which, along with the center are encrusted with rose cut diamonds.

This is currently a whimsical brooch but could also be used as a connector on the ends of a chain, or converted as desired to a pendant by your local jeweler. I was able to style it with a chain in photos but it does swivel or teeter some as it doesn't want to lie perfectly flat on the decollette with the pin back - but hopefully it gives you an idea of how it would look. Chain not included.

The good thing about it being a brooch is that it is in better than most condition with little wear so that is the trade off when it comes to conversions, as brooches usually end up in about as good condition as can be found on antique jewelry, compared to rings and pendants that show more wear.

The Victorians were fascinated with nature and also with jewelry, and we see some wonderful designs come from the period incorporating both of these delights. As the figural pieces of the Victorian era often held a symbolism, beetles were viewed as amulets of good luck and protection. Indeed wearing bugs during the Victorian period was seen as genteel!

The piece is crafted in rosy 18k gold with the diamond settings topped in silver as was customary for the period. I love the curved gold wire legs and even the underside is detailed. The garnets have a fabulous red color with a glow from within. Please note it was overcast here in MN when I photographed it so the color will be even more vibrant in brighter light.

French hallmarks for 18k gold on the pin catch.

Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures. Some of my buyers "draw out" an example to get an idea of scale in person.

Antique Boxes, props, chains, mice : ) not included.

MEASUREMENTS:

47mm end to end, the bug is 20x13mm and about 10mm deep. It weighs a sturdy 5.7g.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Typical antique diamonds with natural inclusions, some nicks or a tiny frosty / unpolished area here and there to the old cut stones. Again, mostly seen under magnification since they are small diamonds. These are the old, quite rough hand cut stones that may have always been this way, they provide a beautiful untamed sparkle and that great antique look but definitely have some jagged edges and a few warm hues to the ones on the body due to age to the closed back. Some natural inclusions to the garnet that can catch the light but it has a beautiful sheen and polish overall with that juicy red color.

The pin back is a bit loose but it has a large catch so once I had it closed, it didn't open on its own while handling, despite moving a bit. Of course this would be a non issue if converted. The back two legs are different form one another directionally but this is how it was made as it has no damage.  There is a seam to the gold on the bar part of the pin that has pulled apart slightly leaving a small crease but it is certainly still stable and very wearable, and the seam is not visible while wearing.

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

Striking to wear with the figural shape. Due to age, I would avoid getting it wet.

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