Victorian Coral Leaf & Fly Brooch
A remarkable antique brooch comprising a huge piece of carved angelskin coral formed as a vine leaf and a life-sized pique housefly resting in the middle. Both entities are pretty realistic suggesting the creator(s) were familiar with grape leaves and houseflies, and it has a little loop at the top making it easily wearable as a pendant too. It dates from the early Victorian period, meaning that symbolism abounds:
- The vine leaf, with its classical ties to Bacchus/Dionysus, relates to abundance, fertility, nature's bounty, celebration, and revelry. But also note that the Victorians would often conflate general climbing vine symbolism with ivy: everlasting love, fidelity, and that sort of I Cling To Thee sentiment.
- "Flies had symbolic significance in the 19th century: they were often used as representations of human mortality and by extension, spiritual humility. (It seems like almost everything in the Victorian era pointed toward the idea of Memento Mori.) More interestingly, flies were used to symbolize secrets or secret-keeping. Think of the fly on the wall which sees everything but tells no one." - Erica Weiner
An abundance of secrets, perhaps?
***
Era: Victorian, circa 1850
Size: 6.0cm by 5.7cm
Stone: Natural Coral
Marks: None, tested as base metal and silver
Condition: Great antique condition; light wear consistent with age. A couple of minor chips to the edges of the leaf. All appears original.
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Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
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[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
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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.
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