Small Victorian Serpentine Gold Brooch, circa 1870

This intriguing oval brooch has a flat base and faceted edges carved from bowenite, a variety of serpentine. Designed as an egg wrapped in an engraved rose gold ribbon with central buckle, it has typical features from the English Victorian period. The back is fitted with a pendant hook and a C-clasp.

English, circa 1870.

– 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm) across; 5/8 in. (1.6 cm) high