Brooches
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An Edwardian peridot, pearl and enamel brooch
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An early 20th century putto brooch
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A Victorian Diamond And Green-paste Brooch
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A Gold And Green Grossular Garnet Grasshopper Brooch
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A collection of Regency & Victorian mourning brooches
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A Victorian Multi-colour Gem And Diamond Clover Leaf Brooch
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A Late Victorian Multigem Butterfly Brooch
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A Victorian Holbeinesque Garnet And Chrysoberyl Brooch
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A Stuart Crystal And Gold Brooch
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A Late Victorian Turquoise And Diamond Clover Leaf Brooch
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A Victorian Turtle Scatter Pin Brooch
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An Antique Beryl And Diamond Cross Brooch
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A Late 19th Century Fly Brooch
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A Late Victorian Multi-gem Butterfly Brooch
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An Edwardian Amethys And Pearl Dragonfly Brooch
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Pâte De Verre And Diamond Grapes Brooch By Fonsèque Et Olive
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An Aquamarine And Diamond Flower Head Brooch
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An Angel Skin Brooch After Julien Duval
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A Georgian Gem-set Flower Brooch
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An Early Victorian Topaz Set Cross Brooch
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A Victorian Hardstone Cameo Brooch
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An Edwardian Tourmaline And Pearl Bee Brooch
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A Victorian Garnet And Diamond Lizard Brooch
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An Early Victorian Topaz And Diamond Cluster Brooch
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An Edwardian Fly Bar Brooch With Three Ascending Flies
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A Victorian Hardstone Cameo Brooch Pendant
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A Victorian Garnet, Diamond And Green Enamel Brooch
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A Late Victorian Demantoid Garnet And Diamond Brooch
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A Georgian Topaz And Pearl Cluster Brooch
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An Art Deco Aquamarine And Diamond Brooch
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A Georgian Golden Topaz And Amethyst Cross Brooch-pendant
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An Delightful Cartier Art Deco Brooch
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A Victorian Garnet, Pearl And Diamond Brooch/pendant
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A Regency Yellow Gold And Gemset Butterfly Brooch
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A Victorian Round Gold Brooch With Gemset Twin Heart Motif
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A Late Georgian Gold And Gemset Brooch
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A Victorian Garnet, Half Pearl And Diamond Brooch/pendant
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A Georgian Golden Topaz And Pearl Cluster Brooch
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A Gold And Coral Butterfly Brooch
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A Victorian Demantoid Garnet And Diamond Lizard Brooch
Brooches are ornamental clasps with an attached pin for affixing to a garment, as a fastener or decorative piece. Brooches originally evolved from the fibula; a pin used to keep garments closed in ancient times. Brooches come in many sizes and shapes and have appeared throughout history. In the Medieval period, brooches were made from different types of metals and worn by men and women. In the 1500s, expanding global trade routes brought prosperity and new discoveries to Europe and Great Britain. Specifically, trade routes opened for diamonds and gemstones as well as precious metals such as gold. Throughout the early modern period (1500-1800), demand for jewellery grew and styles and tastes changed rapidly. Many styles from this period have been lost to time as pieces were melted down and turned into new styles. In 1912, the Cheapside Hoard was discovered in London: a collection of Elizabethan and Stuart jewellery that had been buried below London for over 300 years. This collection of jewellery and objects, now in the Museum of London, had many examples of brooches set with different gemstones from amethysts and rubies to diamonds and emeralds.
In the Georgian era (1710-1830), the ornate and regal brooches of earlier periods gave way to more delicate and romantic pieces. Towards the end of the Georgian period, there was a revival in the styles of Ancient Greece: this was called Neoclassicism. During the Victorian era, brooches surged in popularity. Queen Victoria was given a magnificent sapphire and diamond brooch by Prince Albert, which she wore on her wedding day. Victorian brooches came in a variety of styles, from cameos to floral designs. The trend for brooches continued into the early 20th-century, with Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco brooch styles all flourishing as adornments. Today, Queen Elizabeth II takes every opportunity she can to wear her collection of magnificent brooches. The brooches in the Royal Collection are worn by many members of the Royal Family, and each brooch has a specific sentimental meaning or history behind it.
Bentley & Skinner are delighted to have an extensive and important collection of brooches, ranging from the 18th century to the present. Brooches have traditionally allowed the craftsmen of the past to utilize many intricate techniques, and many of our brooches are true works of art. We are pleased to stock brooches in a variety of styles and from a variety of time periods, including Georgian, Victorian, Renaissance Revival, and Art Deco.