Description

This Etruscan Revival circular brooch is a striking example of 19th-century jewellery design. The antique brooch centres on a cluster of turquoise cabochons, framed by richly detailed goldwork. Its decorative construction and strong period character make it suitable as both a wearable antique and a collectible piece of Victorian jewellery.

Design & Craftsmanship

The Victorian brooch features a domed central arrangement of turquoise cabochons within an ornate circular gold surround. Beaded borders, ropework and scrolling decoration create depth while keeping the overall design balanced.

Etruscan Revival jewellery became fashionable during the 19th century, inspired by archaeological discoveries of ancient Etruscan jewellery in Italy. Victorian jewellers adapted details such as granulation, ropework, scrolls and richly textured gold surfaces, creating pieces with a distinctive archaeological and classical character.

Here, those decorative details are clearly visible around the turquoise centre. Meanwhile, the layered circular construction gives the brooch a strong profile without making it overly heavy in appearance.

The reverse is fitted with a glazed compartment, a characteristic feature found on many Victorian brooches. These compartments were often intended to hold a small personal keepsake, such as a lock of hair or miniature memento. In this example, the glazed back remains an attractive surviving detail and adds another layer of period interest.

Why We Love This Brooch

This round brooch combines vivid turquoise with detailed Victorian goldwork in a very wearable format. The circular shape is easy to style, while the turquoise introduces colour without overwhelming the design. Because the decoration is concentrated around the centre, the piece also retains a strong sense of symmetry and proportion. The glazed reverse also gives the piece added historical character, reflecting the sentimental jewellery traditions of the Victorian period.

How to Style

This Etruscan Revival circular brooch will appeal to someone who likes antique jewellery with colour, texture and visible craftsmanship. It works particularly well on a jacket lapel, knitwear, a scarf or a structured dress. Its compact circular form also makes it easy to incorporate into both everyday and occasion styling.

Key Features

• MATERIALS: Gold, turquoise
• DIMENSIONS: Approx 30mm x 30mm
• ERA/HALLMARK: Victorian, Etruscan Revival. Tests for gold.
• WEIGHT: 11g
• CONDITION: The brooch is in good antique condition, with surface wear and fine marks consistent with age and previous use. The turquoise cabochons show natural variation in colour and surface character, which is typical of antique turquoise. The gold decoration remains well defined, and the pin fitting is present and functional.

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.