Insect brooches became popular due to the Victorians’ fascination with natural history.
A set of antique inspect brooches will go under the hammer at The Lichfield Auction Centre on Monday 15 June, alongside rings, chains, bracelets, pendants and watches from the same estate.
Insect brooches from the late 19th century form a striking part of the lovingly curated collection, said Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ head of jewellery Lisa Spence.
Now highly coveted antiques, insect brooches became popular due to the Victorians’ fascination with natural history.
This beautiful single owner collection features numerous designs including a butterfly, bee and fly. One large example from the late 19th century is cleverly designed as a beetle. With a carved onyx body, diamonds set to the head and ruby eyes, it is estimated to fetch between £400 and £600 at auction.
Another highlight is a Victorian dragonfly brooch featuring a red guilloche enamel body with rose cut diamonds to the eyes and wings set with split pearls.
The collection also features mid-20th century brooches, including a giardinetti style diamond brooch with fleur de lis influence, estimated at £800 to £1,200, and an early 19th century mourning pendant.
The latter, guided at £300-£400, features a miniature portrait by John Miers of cavalry officer Henry Richmond Gale (c.1760-1814), with the reverse encasing a lock of hair.
Other treasures include a solid 9ct gold cigarette case, guided £5,500-£6,500, and a 19th century hand clasp and chain, with the hand design clasp ‘wearing’ its own emerald ring, at £1,000-£1,500.
The catalogue will go online a week before the sale via www.richardwinterton.co.uk/auctions/auction-calendar. Viewing in person at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, takes place between 10am and 4pm on Friday 12 June. The auction starts at 9am.
For more information, to arrange a free valuation of all types of jewellery, collectables and antiques, or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, you can email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081. Free valuations of all types of jewellery, watches, gold and silver also take place at The Auction Café in Lichfield on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 3pm, with an extra date on Wednesday 24 June, again from 9.30am and 3pm.