Victorian Vintage: Pheasants and Sobriety

The sheer inventiveness and craftsmanship of Victorian and Edwardian goldsmiths still has the power to amaze over 100 years later! Many of the techniques for setting gemstones and working precious metal developed in these times are still widely in use today, and this pheasant brooch is a good early example of pavé setting, and enamelling.

The trio of amethyst pieces celebrates the gemstone prized by the Victorians, and used in everything from mourning jewellery to love tokens. The name derives from the ancient Greek words for 'not drunk', as the stone acquired a reputation among the ancients for being able to prevent intoxication - something that could be useful during the Christmas celebrations! The seed pearl and amethyst pendant and brooch could almost be from a matching suite, and the understated amethyst and gold bracelet is the perfect piece of wearable vintage.