Wonderful Early 20th Century Gem Butterfly Brooch

This is a wonderful Early 20th Century butterfly brooch set with rose-cut diamonds, opal, ruby and sapphires. Butterfly brooches in the Victorian Era (1837-1901) were highly popular, symbolic accessories that represented the soul, transformation and a deep appreciation for nature. Due to the era's sentimentality, these along with other insect motifs, were used to convey messages of love, mourning and rebirth. As creatures that undergo metamorphosis, butterflies represented the transition of the soul from life to death and resurrection. They were often worn as part of mourning attire, reflecting the Victorian obsession with mortality and the afterlife. They represented the departed loved one's soul.

Length: 3.8cm

Weight: 8.4grams

Condition: General light marks, wear and discolouration to metal in keeping with general age and wear. There is some excess glue visible around opals. Due to the nature of rose-cut diamonds an accurate carat weight estimation cannot be obtained. Individual size and setting of diamonds prevents accurate colour and clarity assessment. Diamonds appear bright with typical small nicks, abrasions and natural features. Sapphires and rubies bright with light abrasion, nicks and nibbles.