Antique Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Twelve Point Star Brooch, Circa 1880, 11.26 Carats

A Victorian diamond star brooch, with twelve points, set with old-cut diamonds, with an estimated total weight of 11.26 carats, with a cushion shaped old-cut diamond, in the centre, weighing approximately 1.90 carats, in a cut down settings, with a surrounding cluster of six, old-cut diamonds, in half rub over, half cut down settings, with the longer points, starting between the six diamonds, set with five graduating old-cut diamonds and a rose-cut diamond and the shorter points starting from the middle of the six diamonds are each set with two graduating old-cut diamonds and a rose-cut diamond, in grain settings, mounted in silver-upon-gold, with a removable pin, with roller catch and a shepherd's hook pendant fitting, on the back, circa 1880.

In Victorian symbolism stars represented direction, wisdom and guidance for the spirit. This was inspired by sailors of previous eras who used stars in the night sky as navigation aids. Stars have been popular motifs since the 17th century, with women of the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras adding diamond starbursts to their collections. The appearance of Halley’s Comet, in 1758 and again in 1835, lead to a fashion for star and comet jewellery. This fascination with the solar system and its celestial bodies continued long after Halley’s Comet disappeared from view.