Victorian Gold Aegis Brooch
"And across her shoulders she throws the betasselled, terrible aegis, all about which Terror hangs like a garland, and Hatred is there, and Battle Strength, and heart-freezing Onslaught and thereon is set the head of the grim gigantic Gorgon, a thing of fear and horror, portent of Zeus of the aegis" - Homer, the Iliad, V (Lattimore translation)
An excellent 19th century neoclassical brooch modelled as the aegis, Athena's shield loaned from Zeus, with the severed head of Medusa at the centre.
After Medusa was slain by Perseus and her head delivered to Athena, she made from it her aegis (shield or armour, depending on which source you read): "a fearsome thing with a surface of gold like scaly snake-skin, and the linked serpents and the Gorgon herself upon the goddess’s breast—a severed head rolling its eyes" - Virgil’s Aeneid (Day-Lewie's translation). Indeed, even now, the phrase "under someone's aegis" means under the protection of a powerful or benevolent source.
The story goes that having slain the Gorgon sister by flashing her own reflection (on Athena's highly-polished shield) back at her, thus turning her to stone, Perseus then delivered Medusa's head to Athena, who basically weaponised the petrifying gaze by installing it on her shield (or breastplate depending on the source you're reading):
"... a fearsome thing with a surface of gold like scaly snake-skin, and the linked serpents and the Gorgon herself upon the goddess’s breast—a severed head rolling its eyes" - Virgil’s Aeneid (Day-Lewie's translation). Indeed, even now, the phrase "under someone's aegis" means under the protection of a powerful or benevolent source.
Most (male) tellings of this story describe Athena as punishing Medusa for being victim of rape but I prefer a different reading, as explored by Glenys Livingstone and Trista Hendren in ‘Re-visioning Medusa’. Perhaps it wasn’t a punishment. Perhaps Athena was taking all the trauma, all the fear, all the anger and rage, and transforming it into fierce protective energy. Medusa becomes the embodiment of female rage in the face of patriarchy and male violence. She serves as a reminder for women not to deny our righteous rage, it can be powerful, protective, even life-saving in a society that expects our meekness.
The brooch is crafted in 9ct gold with beautiful hand-chased detailing and set with six turquoise cabochons with a turquoise enamel halo around the face. English, circa 1890.
Era: Victorian circa 1890
Size: 4.2cm diameter
Stones: Turquoise
Marks: Stamped 9ct
Condition: Great antique condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
Shipping
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
Parcels going to the United States are currently subject to the Trump administration's 10% "reciprocal tariff". Until August 29th (2025), parcels under $800 remain tariff-free under the de minimis exemption.
We declare our parcels under HTS code 9706 (antique over 100 years old) which reduces import duties to zero. This means the 10% "reciprocal tariff" is all you should be charged by customs*. At this time, you are responsible for any taxes levied at the border.
US customs will require a SS# or business tax ID to clear parcels valued over $2500. UPS will request this information from you directly. More information about this can be found on the US Customs and Border Protection website.
* The tariff situation is being handled extremely erratically by the Trump administration, as such it's susceptible to change as short notice. We will keep the information on this page updated as best we can.
[last updated: August 23rd, 2025]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say :)
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of the page.
info@lostowl.com