Victorian Purple Glass Intaglio Pendant Brooch

Rich with sentiment and Victorian symbolism, this charming intaglio jewel centers on a beautifully carved purple glass intaglio depicting a faithful dog, a motif long associated with loyalty, devotion, and steadfast companionship. Encircling the intaglio is a delicate halo of tiny seed pearls, their soft luster providing an elegant contrast to the richly colored glass and adding a refined sense of texture and dimension.

The piece bears the French inscription “Toujours Fidèle,” which translates to “Always Faithful,” further reinforcing the design’s deeply sentimental nature. Jewelry of this kind often carried personal meaning, serving as tokens of enduring affection, remembrance, or unwavering loyalty between loved ones.

While the intaglio itself dates to the Victorian era, circa 1880, the finely crafted 14K yellow gold mounting was created later, during the 1930s–1940s, thoughtfully preserving and reimagining the earlier element for continued wear. Designed to be worn either as a pendant or brooch, the piece offers both versatility and a wonderful layering of eras, blending Victorian symbolism with the cleaner elegance of early 20th-century design.

Mounting Circa 1930–1940

Intaglio Circa 1880