This Victorian 18k gold bee brooch is beautifully rendered with intricate details and lovely gemstones. Its adorable face has two large eyes and beautiful hand engraved bright cut work that adds visual texture. The bee’s thorax is represented by a deep orange-brown colored citrine that offers a myriad of facets. The abdomen is represented by a piece of amber—appropriately the color of honey—with bits of fossilized organic matter displayed within in it. Both stones are prong set, their rich coloring gorgeous against the 18k gold. The wings are silver topped and each contain three Rose Cut diamonds, bead set and surrounded by a pretty patina. The bee’s little legs are perfectly articulated and give the piece even more charm.
The piece is great as a brooch, but can also be worn as a pendant. It is pictured here on our Vintage 14K Gold Segmented Collar Necklace.
The brooch contains .10 of a carat of natural antique Rose Cut diamonds. The citrine measures 8 mm across. The amber measures 8.8 x 6.5 mm. The bee measures 7/8” x 15/16”. It weighs 5.3 grams. Unmarked but acid tests as 18k gold.
Beautifully crafted, this little bee is sure to win your heart. Circa 1880.
