Brooch thumbnail 1

Brooch

ca. 1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The scrolling lines of this brooch combine historical, rococo elements with the sinuous curves of Art Nouveau. Such a combination may have been especially well received in America, where many did not react favourably to Art Nouveau’s wilder statements: In 1901 the Jewellers’ Circular and Horological Review commented that some pieces of Art Nouveau jewellery were perhaps ‘more fitted for the case of the collector than for wear…’.

The American market did appreciate the use of vibrantly coloured gemstones, like these demantoid garnets. Gems sourced from the United States itself were particularly popular.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Gold set with freshwater pearls, diamonds and demantoid garnets
Brief description
Brooch of gold set with freshwater pearls, diamonds and demantoid garnets, made in the USA, about 1900.
Physical description
Gold brooch set with freshwater pearls, diamonds and demantoid garnets
Dimensions
  • Height: 3.9cm
  • Width: 3.8cm
  • Depth: 1.3cm
Credit line
Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Patricia V. Goldstein
Summary
The scrolling lines of this brooch combine historical, rococo elements with the sinuous curves of Art Nouveau. Such a combination may have been especially well received in America, where many did not react favourably to Art Nouveau’s wilder statements: In 1901 the Jewellers’ Circular and Horological Review commented that some pieces of Art Nouveau jewellery were perhaps ‘more fitted for the case of the collector than for wear…’.

The American market did appreciate the use of vibrantly coloured gemstones, like these demantoid garnets. Gems sourced from the United States itself were particularly popular.
Other numbers
  • LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS 330-2003 - Previous loan number
  • 269 - Goldstein Collection number
Collection
Accession number
M.207-2007

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJanuary 24, 2008
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest