A Gold And Half-pearl Lily Of The Valley Spray Brooch

A Gold And Half-pearl Lily Of The Valley Spray Brooch

Description

A gold and half-pearl spray brooch, in the form of a lily of the valley spray, the leaves with chased two colour gold mounts, the eight flowers each set with two split pearls, circa 1830, with later brooch fitting, measuring approximately 8 x 2.5 long, gross weight 8.8 grams, compare with similar comb-mount illustrated in “The Art of the Jeweller: A catalogue of the Hull Grundy Gift to the British Museum”, by Charlotte Gere & Hugh Tait, volume II, plate 638, page 170.

A lovely and naturalistic brooch. During the nineteenth century, lily of the valley symbolised a return to happiness and. The lily of the valley featured on this brooch is wonderfully and realistically carved, and each floral bell is set with two lustrous pearls. The flower is delicate and very naturalistic: it appears to bend and sway as if moved by a warm May breeze. Lily of the valley was featured in the bridal bouquets of both Princess Grace of Monaco and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Wearing this brooch as part of a bridal ensemble would be a wonderful nod to the romantic symbolism of this flower.