Beetle Brooch in Silver, Rock Crystal & Garnet | British Victorian c.1890

This unusual Victorian brooch, shaped as a stylised beetle, is crafted in silver with foiled rock crystal and a garnet nose.

Dating to around 1890, it’s a playful but striking piece of British jewellery design.

The body is made from two carefully cut rock crystal cabochons, each foiled on the reverse to create that distinct glowing two-tone effect - warm amber orange on the body, and a rich purple-red for the head.

A single garnet cabochon forms the nose, set securely into the silver frame.

The legs and antennae are hand-shaped in silver, giving the beetle real character without overcomplicating the form.

At approximately 4cm long by 2.5cm wide, it makes a confident statement on a coat or knit.

Victorians loved insect jewellery, and this is a lovely example - bold in colour but carefully made, and still wearable more than a century later.

A great addition for any collector of unusual antique brooches or lovers of symbolic Victorian design.

Available exclusively at ELTONS, Grays Antique Market, Mayfair, London.