Brooch
The body of this insect-form brooch is set with a large natural gray-green pearl and eight demantoid garnets; the head is pave-set with two demantoid garnets and diamond eyes. All of the gems are set in naturalistically chased gold, and six delicate gold legs extend from the body. The hook is marked 'J&M,' for Jaques & Marcus, a New York City jewelry firm active from about 1882 to 1892. The piece survives in its original case, a green velvet box lined in cream-colored satin and velvet, and marked inside the lid with 'JAQUES & MARCUS/BROADWAY/CORN 17TH. ST./NEW YORK.'
During the nineteenth century an increased interest in natural history contributed to a vogue for novelty jewelry in the form of birds, animals and especially insects. Fashionable ladies became enamored with these creepy bugs made from precious materials, and happily pinned jeweled insects to their hairdos and gowns.
During the nineteenth century an increased interest in natural history contributed to a vogue for novelty jewelry in the form of birds, animals and especially insects. Fashionable ladies became enamored with these creepy bugs made from precious materials, and happily pinned jeweled insects to their hairdos and gowns.
Artwork Details
- Title: Brooch
- Maker: Jaques & Marcus (active 1882–92)
- Date: ca. 1882–92
- Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Gold, pearl, demantoid garnets, and diamonds
- Dimensions: L. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
- Credit Line: Purchase, Susan and Jon Rotenstreich Gift, 2001
- Object Number: 2001.246
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Herter Brothers
1879–82
George A. Schastey & Co.
George A. Schastey
1881–82
Multiple artists/makers
1876
Tiffany & Co.
1893
Tiffany & Co.
Charles Osborne
1879
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.