Antique Victorian 9ct Gold Honeymoon Brooch - Crescent Moon & Star - Split Pearls & Red Paste - M B & Co - C2993

Summary

A diminutive and beautifully formed Victorian 9ct gold honeymoon brooch of bar form, the centre set with a crescent moon of graduated split pearls enclosing a five-pointed star with a round faceted red paste stone, marked 9ct and M B & Co to the pin.

Description

Small things made with care carry a particular weight. This brooch is barely larger than a thumbnail, but the quality of its construction - the neatly formed crescent, the precisely set split pearls graduating in size around the curve, the five-pointed star sitting cleanly within - speaks to a maker who understood that scale is no excuse for carelessness.

The crescent moon and star combination was one of the most charged decorative pairings in Victorian sentimental jewellery. The crescent, associated with femininity, the cycles of life and the Roman goddess Diana, was a recurring symbol of romantic feeling and protection. The star represented constancy and guidance - the fixed point by which a course is set. Together, on a brooch of this intimate scale, they formed what jewellers and their customers understood as a honeymoon brooch: a gift from a husband to his new wife, worn close to the body as a private token of the bond between them.

The split pearls set along the crescent are a characteristic Victorian technique, each pearl halved and set flat to maximise surface area and lustre within a small mount. The red paste stone at the centre of the star - round faceted, with a warm crimson tone - provides a focal point that catches the light against the pale pearls and yellow gold.

The slender bar terminates in neatly formed loops at each end, with a traditional pin fitting to the reverse. The pin is marked 9ct and M B & Co, likely identifying a Birmingham maker working in the Victorian period.

A honeymoon brooch of this type makes as much sense as a gift today as it did when it was made. The symbolism translates without explanation - moon, star, gold, pearl - and the scale means it sits easily on a lapel, a scarf, or pinned to a dress without demanding attention it hasn't earned.

Supplied in a complimentary brand new presentation gift box.

Condition

Very good antique condition with light wear consistent with age. The split pearls and red paste stone are secure and the pin fitting closes correctly. Minor surface marks visible under magnification.

Approximate Measurements

• Length: 2.8cm [1.1in]
• Crescent width: 0.9cm [0.35in]
• Material: 9ct gold
• Stones: Split pearls and red paste
• Mark: 9ct, M B & Co (pin)
• Date: Victorian
• Weight: 1 gram

Stock Code: C2993 JL26-1

Shipping

Tracked and insured shipping is provided free of charge to most UK addresses, there may be charges for remote or offshore locations. Your item(s) will usually be shipped within 48hrs of order (weekdays), you will receive an email with confirmation of shipping and tracking code when your item is despatched. Delivery is usually 1-3 business days from despatch, if you need an item more urgently please get in touch to see if we can assist.

For international buyers once you have added the item to your cart and specified your delivery address the system will calculate the shipping price for you. Shipping prices are automatically calculated for the most common destinations and items, if the system does not give you a shipping price for your particular item and location simply get in touch and we will update the system for you.

Please note if you are purchasing an item for delivery outside the UK you may have to pay taxes and duties upon import. Blue Cherry Antiques does not collect tax or duty on any sale, and the payment of such taxes should they arise is the responsibility of the purchaser.

Shipping for international orders will be by a tracked (where possible) and insured service via airmail or parcel carrier depending on location and item purchased.