The Victorians were great fans of novelty jewelry. Ornaments of curiosity were designed with consideration for beauty and color, but also with the intent to amuse and delight the wearer. Such eccentric styles include mounted hummingbird heads, tiny golden renderings of mice, and bejeweled spiders, just to name a few. This c. 1880 English necklace was made during the first Egyptian revival and would have been classed as a "Cleopatra ornament", though it bears little resemblance to the jewels of Ancient Egypt, and in fact, these (real) beetles were most likely imported from South America. This remarkable quatrefoil pendant features four iridescent beetles mounted in gold.
thedetails
- Materials
14k gold (tests), 4 iridescent beetles
- Age
c. 1870
- Condition
Excellent
- Size
2 7/8" length including the bale and drop, 1 3/8" width
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Aboutthe
VictorianEra
1837 — 1901
please note:Terms of Sale
Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.