Antique Novelty Set With Bow Ties, Brooch, and Stud Earrings Featuring Rubies, Diamonds, and Pearls, Paris, c. 1890

Precious Flies

Antique Novelty Set With Bow Ties, Brooch, and Stud Earrings Featuring Rubies, Diamonds, and Pearls, Paris, c. 1890

€ 1,490.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

In the second half of the 19th century, a new fashion trend took hold in the major cities of Western Europe: Delicate insects crafted from luxurious materials and lavishly set with diamonds and gemstones found their way onto the wearers in the form of brooches, pins, or hair ornaments during those years. Spiders, bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and even flies served as “novelty jewelry” at dinner parties and soirées, sparking lively conversations. The fly, whether as a lapel pin or brooch, was a popular motif that also drew on rich connections to art history, thus serving as a “conversation piece.” For example, it is said that the famous painter Giotto painted a fly onto a painting by his master, Cimabue. When Cimabue fell for the illusion and tried to shoo away the pesky insect, he realized that his student had surpassed him. The three flies that have come together here to form this set, on the other hand, make no pretense of being anything other than precious materials designed to delight the eye. Their abdomens are crafted from shimmering natural pearls, while fiery red rubies adorn the center of their bodies. The wings are crafted from silver and set with diamond roses. Thus, the three insects adorn a delicate stick brooch and a pair of matching stud earrings. Furthermore, the set is crafted from high-karat gold and can be traced to the French capital, Paris, as its hallmark reveals. The small insects were created toward the end of the 19th century and are very good in condition. To this day, the flies remain jewellery that attracts attention.

Size & Details

Precious Flies

€ 1,490.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

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Precious Flies

Brooches & Pins

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