Arts & Crafts Bee Brooch
An exquisite antique bee brooch dating from the turn of the 20th century. The thorax and abdomen are set with a gorgeous baroque pearls, and the wings feature simple, naturalistic engravings for the veins. Built in 18 carat gold and very much in the English Arts & Crafts style.
The Arts & Crafts movement, hand-in-hand with continental Art Nouveau and Jugendstil, can be interpreted as a backlash against the violent industrialism and strict social conventions of the Victorian era, but it was more than that: the intention was to make the fine arts more affordable, and ultimately more accessible, for everyone - not just society's elites. Beginning with the Pre Raphaelites, and later spearheaded by William Morris, the style flourished throughout all disciplines of the Decorative Arts from the late 19th century through to the middle of the 20th century. Their works drew on natural forms and motifs - wildflowers and foliage, birds, animals, and the female form -often heavily stylised, but always recognisable. Another important source of inspiration came from Medieval art and literature, particularly the Arthurian legends, Quattrocentro Italian art, and the intricate scrollwork found in illuminated manuscripts. Jewellers diverged from theflorid and ornate traditions of the High Victorian period, placing more emphasis on form, craft, and wearability. This was not only a movement away from Victorian industry and technology, but was intended to make jewellery more affordable for everyone.
Era: Arts & Crafts, circa 1900
Size: 34.3mm
Head Size: 17.7mm / 19mm
Stones: Baroque pearls
Marks: Stamped 9C (for 9ct Gold)
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
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
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Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be 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, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are 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.
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alex@lostowl.jewelry