Victorian Diamond Cat Brooch

A vision of Victorian charm, this rare period brooch takes the form of a frisky feline. As delightful as it is dazzling, this languorous cat sparkles from head to paw with 4.60 total carats of diamonds, while her red ruby eyes smolder against her shiny coat. Rather than a ball of yarn, a lustrous natural pearl is her toy of choice. Set in luxurious silver and gold with a pin safety, this brooch is truly the cat’s meow.

Victorian period jewelry is among the most highly sought after in the world. The era derives its name from the reign of the English monarch Victoria, who sat on the throne from 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign brought with it a new period of progress, a rising middle class, and one of the great love stories of the ages, that between the Queen herself and her husband, Prince Albert. The romanticism of the age along with the redistribution of wealth led to a surge in the jewelry trade, and these delicate pieces truly epitomize the "Romantic age" in which they were born. Jewelers married whimsical, buoyant designs to traditional motifs, resulting in Victorian jewelry pieces that exude charm and romantic luxury. The present piece is a stunning representation of this highly coveted style.

Circa 1875

2" length