Price guide to Victorian butterfly brooches. Butterfly brooches have never lost their popularity since they became fashionable during the Georgian era. Victorian butterfly brooches can be purely ornamental but they can also be symbolic as the butterfly signifies the soul. It also has religious a meaning as the butterfly signifies the resurrection or rebirth. The caterpillar signifies life while the chrysalis signifies death.
A diamond butterfly brooch, circa 1890 The openwork design set throughout with cushion-shaped and old round brilliant-cut diamonds, with ruby cabochons on the antennae, width approximately 40mm, estimated total diamond weight approximately 4.00-4.50cts, detachable brooch fitting to reverse
Sold for £ 3,250 inc. premium at Bonhams in 2018
A LATE VICTORIAN OPAL AND DIAMOND BROOCH/HAIR ORNAMENT Modelled as a butterfly, the thorax, abdomen and wings set with vari-shaped opals, the openwork outer wings set with old brilliant-cut diamonds, rubies to the eyes, mounted in silver and gold, circa 1890, the brooch fitting detachable, with interchangeable tortoiseshell hair comb and gilt metal entremblant pin fitting, fitted velvet case by Elkington & Co Ltd
Sold for GBP 4,440 at Christies in 2006
Antique Gold, Natural Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire Butterfly Brooch 18 kt., pearl ap. 8.87 x 7.02 mm., rose-cut diamonds, 11 cushion-shaped & oval rubies, 2 cushion-shaped & 2 round emeralds, one oval & 2 cushion-shaped sapphires, late 19th century, ap. 9.3 dwts. With GIA report no. 5182687625, natural, saltwater, Pinctada species, no indications of treatment.
Natural pearl: semi-barqoque, off white color, rose and golden overtones, moderately textured, good luster Rubies: pinkish-red color, lightly included, well matched Emeralds: bright green color, one medium tone and one light tone, moderately included Diamonds: F-G-H/SI-I Overall in good condition for age, normal wear for age. Measuring ap. 1 3/4 x 1 1/4 inches
Antique Two-Color Gold, Diamond, Button and Split Pearl and Ruby Butterfly Brooch 18 kt. yellow & white gold, 2 old European-cut diamonds ap. .55 ct., rose-cut diamonds, one pearl ap. 6.2 mm., 12 small pearls, c. 1900, ap. 7.3 dwts. The pearls have not been tested.
In good condition, normal wear for age with some discoloration and surface scratches to metal. Diamonds: G-H-I/SI-I Measuring ap. 1 7/8 x 1 1/4 inches.
Sold for $875 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle New York in 2016
Victorian 18k Gold Butterfly Brooch set with approximately .50 ct emerald, 71 rose cut diamonds, approximately 3.55 ct tw and 66 round cut rubies, approximately 2.0 ct tw set in a silver topped 18k gold mounting 2″ diameter, 16 dwt gross missing one ruby on bottom wing
Sold for $1,600 at Jack DeStories in 2018
Ruby and diamond brooch, circa 1890 Modelled as a butterfly mounted en tremblant, its open work wings set with circular-cut diamonds, its eyes set with cabochon rubies.
Sold for 11,875 GBP at Sothebys in 2018
