Brooch
ca. 1882–92
Medium
Gold, pearl, demantoid garnets, and diamonds
Dimensions
L. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
Classification
Brooch
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Susan and Jon Rotenstreich Gift, 2001
Accession Number
2001.246
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite brooch, crafted by the New York jewelers Jaques & Marcus around 1882–92, exemplifies the opulent jewelry of Gilded Age America. Fashioned from gold, a lustrous pearl, fiery demantoid garnets and sparkling diamonds, it measures just 1 1/8 inches in length—perfect for pinning to a lapel or bodice. The insect motif, a popular theme in Victorian-era adornments, reflects the era's fascination with nature's, blending realism with whimsy to evoke the delicate beauty of beetles or butterflies. Jaques & Marcus were renowned for their innovative designs, often drawing from natural forms ...