Victorian Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Opal butterfly brooch, c.1880s

An incredible mix of diamonds, sapphires, rubies and opals encrust this hand crafted butterfly brooch from the Victorian era. Creating the butterflies body an iridescent opal glimmers below a single 0.15 carat ruby. The butterfly’s wings feature a total of 1.00 carat in diamonds, both old and rose cut. The diamonds match in colour at G and range in clarity from VS to SI. Further adorning the wings, detailing comes from a further 0.70 carat in rubies around the edges and 1.00 carat in sapphires set down the centre of each wing. This glistening medley of gems is topped off with four opals, one on each wing section, bringing the total carat weight of opals to 1.30. Highlighting the immaculate craftsmanship and attention to detail, found small diamonds are used to add character to the butterfly’s head, two for the eyes and two on the end of the antennae. Entirely crafted by hand in 15 carat yellow gold this exquisite brooch radiates Victorian opulence and would make a one of a kind gift.