A fantastic Victorian bee brooch, circa 1880-1890. Tests to be at least 9ct gold, topped with silver and set with a central cabochon opal, rose cut diamonds, black enamel stripes and ruby eyes and wing tips.
 
As you can see from the photos, the brooch fitting can be removed by flicking up the little screw head and unwinding the screw. The legs can also be removed. The holes on the back of the abdomen indicate that there would have been another fitting so this beautiful jewel could have been worn in a different way. I think it originally would have come with a hair pin - you can just imagine how gorgeous this would look worn in the hair!
 
It’s in very good antique condition. One ruby eye has a tiny bite to the edge of the table facet, only noticeable under magnification. The rose cut diamonds are irregular in shape, typical of the period.
 
Wing span: 43mm
Length: 29mm
 
Total weight: 10.8g
 
Please note that any boxes in the photos are for display purposes only and not included in the sale of this piece although it will be sent securely in a new good quality jewellery box.