Details
This captivating antique Victorian diamond bar brooch showcases a striking insect trembler that delicately rotates on a screw mechanism, creating movement, character, and lifelike charm. Expertly crafted in silver-topped 18ct gold, the winged insect is adorned with pink ruby eyes and a dazzling arrangement of hand-cut old mine diamonds, which extend elegantly along the long, slender bar and continue through finely detailed ivy leaf motifs. The largest diamond measures approx. 0.22 carats at the end of the pin, with an estimated total weight of 1.25 carats across the front.
Created during the late Victorian period, this remarkable novelty piece reflects the era’s fascination with natural history, botany, and entomology, when insect-inspired jewellery became highly fashionable as a romantic and whimsical celebration of the natural world amid Britain’s rapid urban expansion. The diamonds and ivy leaves add a further romantic element to the narrative, used traditionally to represent enduring love, devotion, and unbreakable bonds.
Beautifully preserved for more than a century, this collectable Victorian novelty insect pin remains in excellent condition, with each old cut diamond retaining the exceptional brilliance and fire admired since the day it was cut. Distinctive, rare, and full of personality, it is an exceptional statement piece for a lapel and a treasured addition to any antique jewellery collection.
WEIGHT: 8.3 grams
MEASURES: Pin Length 62mm – Insect Width 30mm x Height 25mm
METAL: Silver/ Gold (Tested 18ct)
STONES: Diamonds (Largest 4mm, approx. 0.22ct, 1.25ct total), Rubies
DIAMOND GRADE: SI 1 clarity – H colour
AGE: Victorian. (Circa 1880 - 1900)
MARKS: No marks, typical for items made before hallmarking legislation was introduced.
CONDITION: Excellent, wear commensurate with age.
ITEM NUMBER: AJ462
