DATE: Victorian, c.1860

A striking mid Victorian micromosaic "language of the flowers" brooch dating from the 1860s. Each flower represents a different sentiment: Edelweiss for courage and devotion; Red Tulip as a declaration of love; Peony for a happy life; and Forget-Me-Not for true love and memories. It's beautifully detailed, and the mosaic tesserae are mounted in a single piece of black onyx with chamfered edges and a gold border. Given the strongly romantic message this was likely given as a wedding or engagement gift.

STONES 

Onyx

MEASUREMENTS 

3.7 x 2.9cm

WEIGHT 

11.8g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 15k gold

CONDITION 

Good, some light wear commensurate with age. A couple of minor chips to the onyx