Wings of Lace

Resplendent Antique Butterfly Brooch of Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Garnets, c. 1890


€ 6,890.00 *
Content 1 piece
Incl. VAT, Shipping
Resplendent Antique Butterfly Brooch of Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Garnets, c. 1890
Resplendent Antique Butterfly Brooch of Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Garnets, c. 1890
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 last third of the 19th century, elaborate and precious insect brooches were a staple of any fine jewellery wardrobe. Beetles balanced on golden bar pins, flies sat on ties, even sparkling spiders with diamond trimmings glittered in the hair. However, it was the butterfly in particular that was popular in the most precious of outfits, as its iridescent wings were ideal for replicating in colourful gemstones. Two cherry-red garnet cabochons and two large old-cut diamonds form the body of this butterfly. The wings are formed from a delicate network of so-called knife-edge bars, which in turn are framed by elegant rococo curves. Shimmering diamonds are set at the intersections. Bright pink-red rubies from Burma and radiant green Colombian emeralds lend the piece of jewellery bold yet surprisingly harmonious color accents. The butterfly was in truth more of a night moth, as it was once allowed to accompany its first owner to elegant evening events with its precious large diamonds. On these occasions, the brooches often glittered in large numbers on the neckline: butterflies and dragonflies alongside moons and stars. However, the butterfly was particularly suited to complementing the real or silk flowers of the evening gown – it seemed as if it had not settled next to the colourful, fragrant flowers by chance. The beautiful piece is very well preserved. A wonderful piece of history, at the sight of which we almost think we can hear the silk taffeta crackling softly...
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Size & Details
Resplendent Antique Butterfly Brooch of Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Garnets, c. 1890
Wings of Lace
€ 6,890.00 *
Content 1 piece
Incl. VAT, Shipping
Our Promise
Our Promise
Our Promise

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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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