Brooch, ca. 1882–92
Jacques & Marcus (American, act. 1882–92)
New York
Gold, pearl, demantoid garnets, diamonds
Technical Glossary
Jacques & Marcus (American, act. 1882–92)
New York
Gold, pearl, demantoid garnets, diamonds
L. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
Purchase, Susan and Jon Rotenstreich Gift, 2000 (2001.246)
Late nineteenth-century novelty jewelry reflects an interest in the natural world—for instance butterflies, dragonflies, and "creepy crawlies." The body of this charming gold insect pin is fashioned from a single natural pearl, its head set with demantoid (green) garnets and its eyes represented by two faceted diamonds. The brooch is marked on its hook "J & M" for the short-lived firm of Jacques & Marcus, which operated in New York from about 1882 to 1892.
