Here’s a wonderful piece of 19th century Australian jewellery. This cute bug, possibly a cicada, was beautifully made using mother of pearl and 15-carat yellow gold in about 1880. 

Locally sourced materials were a necessity in the young colony. At the time this was created gold had been discovered but very few gemstones had been unearthed. So local jewellers turned to humble materials, including nuts, seeds and mother of pearl, to show off their skills. 

The back bears a mark for 15-carat gold, a rubber maker’s mark, and one for the Victorian Jewellers Guild. (Victoria was then a British colony; it became an Australian state on federation in 1901.) 

There is one tiny loss to the end of a feeler. That said, this pin is in remarkable condition given its age and fragility.

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• Handmade in mother-of-pearl and 15-carat yellow gold, stamped

• Approximately 3.2cm (just over 1 1/4 inches) long, 2.1cm (over 3/4 inch) wide

• Weight is 7.4 grams

• In very good antique condition: there is slight loss to the feelers

• Will come in a Karen Deakin gift box (the antique boxes are not for sale)

Please examine the photographs carefully – they form part of the description. 

I’d be very happy to send more information and images. Layaway available.