Antique 9K, Seed Pearl & Paste Starburst Brooch

Celestial jewelry first gained popularity thanks to the discovery of Halley’s comet, by astronomer Sir Edmond Halley all the way back in 1682. He correctly predicted the comet would return in 1758, then again in 1835. To prepare for the comet's arrival in the 1800’s, late-Georgian/ early Victorian women sought out comet-themed brooches in gold and diamonds or silver and paste.

The celestial jewelry craze did not pass with Halley’s comet. Throughout the Victorian era, stars were carved into gemstones, or used as the base shape for brooches and hair ornaments. Stars and crescent moons were fashioned out of pearls, opals, rubies, diamonds and other hard stones.

During the reign of King Edward VII in the early 1900’s, Queen Alexandra generously adorned her outfits with many star and crescent jewels.

More than 100 years later  moon, star and sun designs remain popular in all jewelry categories, from fashion to fine. For almost as long as we’ve been studying the stars, we’ve been adorning ourselves with their glimmering likeness.

Beautifully articulated in 9 karat yellow gold, this delicate brooch is encrusted with seed pearls and has five glittering amethyst paste stones.  A larger pearl adorns the center, set in a wee buttercup blossom, which symbolized youthfulness and attraction in the Victorian language of flowers. We love the hidden bale, allowing one to wear it as a pendant. A true treasure of the most romantic and symbolic era in jewelry!

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 3/4"

Weight: 3.15 grams

Materials: Gold, Seed Pearl, Amethyst Paste

Metal: 9K yellow gold

Marks: None

Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear