French Victorian Bar Brooch with Bejewelled Beetle in Garnet, Ruby and Diamonds

French, circa 1860, a Victorian bar brooch in 18 carat warm yellow gold, centred by a jewelled beetle. The wing covers are formed by two domed garnets of deep wine colour, while the thorax is set with rose cut diamonds and tiny senailles in a silvertop. Ruby eyes give a sly, alert expression, and a single pearl finial softens the line of the bar. With the wing cases eased open, it feels less pinned than briefly persuaded to stay.

Condition Very good condition

Country of origin France

Period Circa 1860

Material 18 carat yellow gold (touchstone tested)

Diamonds Fourteen rose cut diamonds and senailles. A senaille is a simplified rose cut diamond, a small diamond chip with perhaps a few polished facets. We do not have the weight of the rose cuts diamonds nor the senailles which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cut diamonds and senailles. Verified as 100% natural by the IJGC laboratory. 

Precious stones Two garnets, two rubies. We did not check if the rubies are lab produced or not as this information has no influence on the value of this jewel. Natural rubies and lab produced rubies were both used in this era, rather more for their effect than for their intrinsic value. One pearl.

Hallmarks The French control mark for 18 carat gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838.

Dimensions 5.34 cm (2.10 inch) x 1.88 cm (0.74 inch)

Weight 8.20 gram (5.27 dwt)