This solid 18K Victorian brooch pendant is in the girandole style, taken from the French word for candelabra. The finely etched central design is suspended with three pear-shaped pendants.

This antique brooch pendant comes with a signed photograph of its original owner, Mary Vogt Behrman, taken by photographer and studio owner Cicero Riley Reeves, C.R. Reeves.

The girandole design enjoyed popularity for hundreds of years, most notably in the eighteenth century. Wealthy women wore elaborate, gem-laden girandole earrings and brooches for evening occasions and modest ones for daytime use. Pictured here is an example of a less ornate gold brooch that exemplifies the influence the Etruscan style of goldsmithing would have on the Victorian jewelers of the 19th century during the Etruscan Revival period. It’s the perfect blend of functional and chic.

Era: Victorian

Style: Girandole / Dangle Brooch Pendant

Metal/Materials: 18K Gold, Metal

Stones: None

Brooch Closure Type: Hinged Pin and C-Clasp

Weight: 7.60 grams

Hallmark, Maker’s Mark & Stamp: Unmarked

Measurements: Length approx. 43.00 mm (N-S). Width approx. 36.00 mm (at widest point).

Condition: Brooch fully intact, in excellent antique condition. Scratches consistent with age. Original pinstem and c-clasp were professionally restored to provide a secure closure. Professionally cleaned to maintain original patina. Cabinet card missing top corners, repairs made to breaks on right side, photo emulsion damage due to tape on upper right corner.

Additional Information: Hinge, clasp and pinstem are base metal; all remaining metal is 18K gold. A hidden 18K hinged bale was added so that brooch can be worn as a striking pendant as well. Original pinstem maintained for use as a brooch.