Vintage Silver and Enamel Fish Brooch

Description

This vintage fish brooch by A.H. Darby & Son dates to 1946.  The design features a stylised fish curling into a circular form, its body decorated with vibrant enamel in shades of yellow, red, green and blue. The silver setting frames the movement of the piece beautifully, giving it both structure and flow.

Created in the mid century, this silver and enamel brooch reflects the era’s love of expressive colour and organic forms. It is fitted with a traditional pin and rollover clasp to the reverse.

Fish jewellery has long symbolised abundance, resilience and renewal. In mid-century design, marine themes often carried a sense of optimism and freedom, which this piece captures effortlessly.

Design & Craftsmanship

The fish is cast in silver with textured scale detailing across the body. The enamel has been carefully applied in graduated tones, creating depth and subtle variation rather than flat colour. The sweeping tail and curling wave form add a sense of movement, almost as if the fish is caught mid-swim.

The enamel remains bright and glossy, with attractive tonal variation that enhances its vintage character. The sculpted silver edges frame the enamel cleanly, preventing visual clutter while allowing the colour to stand out.

Why We Love This Brooch

This vintage fish brooch has real personality. It is playful, but not overly whimsical. The colour combination feels bold without being loud. It would suit someone who enjoys distinctive vintage jewellery and prefers pieces that spark conversation.

It is easy to wear and instantly elevates a simple coat, blazer or knit. The circular shape also makes it visually balanced and flattering when styled on lapels or scarves.

Styling Suggestions

Wear it on a dark wool coat to make the enamel pop. It also works beautifully on denim jackets, linen shirts or structured blazers. For collectors, it pairs well with other mid-century silver jewellery or enamel pieces.

Key Features

• MATERIALS: Silver, enamel
• DIMENSIONS: Approx 40mm x 40mm.
• ERA/HALLMARK: Hallmarks for Birmingham 1946, A.H.Darby maker’s mark.
• WEIGHT: 10.57g
• CONDITION: Good vintage condition. The enamel shows light age-related surface marks consistent with wear. The pin mechanism functions securely.

SHIPPING – UK ORDERS: Orders received before 11am Monday-Friday UK time will be dispatched the same day. This is via Royal Mail Special Delivery which is a fully tracked and insured service and will require a signature on arrival.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS:
Please allow 1-2 days processing time. For orders under £350 we use Royal Mail International Tracked and Traced, with delivery around 7-10 days. For orders above £350 we use a door to door courier service with delivery between 3-7 days depending on location.

You will receive a tracking number for accurate delivery information. We are not responsible for any import duty or VAT on delivery, this rate varies in different countries so please get in touch with your local customs office for more information.

Our jewellery comes packaged in a beautiful black faux leather box and black branded gift bag.

RETURNS:
We do accept returns provided they are returned within 14 days from receiving the item. We will issue a full refund minus the shipping cost.

We will provide a return address and this must be returned at the cost of the customer using a fully insured, tracked and signed for service.

The item must be returned exactly as it was sent, unaltered and undamaged and in the original packaging. This must be marked clearly as a return, otherwise we reserve the right to deduct any import charges made to us from the refund on all international orders.

We do not accept returns on sale items or alterations including ring sizings.