Antique insect brooches shine a bug's eye view on impressive jewellery collection heading to Lichfield auction

Sale date Monday 15th June

THE Victorian obsession with natural history powers an eye-catching facet of an impressive jewellery collection going under the hammer with Richard Winterton Auctioneers next month.

Insect brooches from the late 19th century form a striking part of the single owner collection, consigned following a recent house clearance in Lichfield.

They are among scores of treasures causing a buzz at The Lichfield Auction Centre ahead of the Antique & Home Sale on Monday, June 15.

Now highly coveted antiques, insect brooches became popular through the Victorians' fascination with natural history.

The collection features a number of designs including a butterfly, bee and fly.

A large example from the late 19th century, guided £400-£600, is designed as a beetle, with a carved onyx body, diamonds set to the head and ruby eyes.

Another highlight is a Victorian dragonfly brooch featuring a red guilloche enamel body with rose cut diamonds to the eyes and wings set with split pearls, guided £200-£300.

Other 19th century brooches include a diamond-set four leaf clover design with red guilloche enamel detail, guided £400-£500, and a hardstone cameo featuring Cupid on a chariot being pulled by a large cat, £50-£80.

Mid 20th century brooches include a floral design comprised of a carved chalcedony flower head set with a transitional cut diamond and a surround of five circular cut rubies with two carved nephrite jade leaves and a diamond set stem, guided £400 to £600.

A mid 20th century giardinetti style diamond brooch with fleur de lis influence is estimated at £800 to £1,200.

The collection also features pendants including an early 19th century  mourning miniature portrait by John Miers of cavalry officer Henry Richmond Gale (c.1760-1814), with the reverse encasing a lock of hair, estimate £300-£400; a late 19th century cabachon and green guilloche enamel design, £400-£600; and an early 20th century cameo, £100-£150.

Other treasures include a 19th century hand clasp and chain, with the hand design clasp 'wearing' its own emerald ring with a turquoise setting at the wrist, estimate £1,000-£1,500; a Continental stick pin in the form of a crown decorated with red, green, blue and white enamel with a small pearl atop, £200-£300; and an early 19th century cameo and ruby ring, £300-£400.

The catalogue will be online a week before the sale via our Auction Calendar.

Viewing in person at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, takes place between 10am and 4pm on Friday, June 12. The auction starts at 9am.

For more information, to arrange a free valuation of all types of timepieces, jewellery, collectables and antiques or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.

Free valuations of all types of watches, jewellery, gold and silver also take place at The Auction Café in Lichfield on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 3pm, with an extra date on Wednesday, June 24, again from 9.30am and 3pm.