Victorian Black Onyx Brooch

This brooch is another dramatic display of Victorian jewelry, a testament to the skill and artistry of Victorian craftsmanship. Likely a mourning brooch stemming from the substantial cultural and fashion influence of Queen Victoria, this piece dates to the 40 years of mourning for her beloved Albert. Striking jewelry pieces such as this, however, quickly extended beyond mourning protocol into jewelry fashion.

Black onyx, cut into several shapes, is set in 15K yellow gold, with millgraining framing each piece. The tiered structure begins with a large central marquis piece inset with 3 seed pearls and surrounded by arrangements of teardrop and diamond-shaped onyx pieces punctuated by seed pearls and gold beads. Beneath that, a free-swinging swag of the onyx pieces continues to a dramatic drop of graduated teardrop-shaped onyx pieces finishing in a diamond-shaped piece.

A striking, unique, and timeless jewelry treasure.

Circa 1890

(A pair of matching Earrings JPCL 1606, and a Cross Pendant JPCL 1597 is offered separately)