Description

Victorian Gold, Ruby & rose-cut Diamond honey bee, bug, fly, brooch Circa 1890

Antique, Victorian gold Ruby & Diamond honey bee mounted on later gold bar brooch.

This gorgeous gemset honeybee is mounted with a rose-cut Diamond body, head and two diamonds on each wing. Skillfully made with six, tiny gold legs and feeler. The eyes are embellished with two tiny cabachon rubies.

The bee or insect is mounted on a 9ct bar brooch (hallmarked for Birmingham 1995).

Napoleon chose the bee as the emblem to represent his status as Emperor. It is a motif rich in meanings.
The bee symbolises hard work, diligence, industriousness and orderliness. It is also the producer of honey so the bee also symbolises sweetness and benevolence. The Victorians often had hidden messages and symbolic meanings in their jewellery.

MEASUREMENTS: 10 x 49.5mm
HALLMARKS: As above
CONDITION: Good
DATE: Victorian (1837-1901) (the later bar 1995)