Antique Georgian Silver-Topped Gold Rose Cut and Sapphire Butterfly Brooch

This antique Georgian brooch showcases the delicate artistry of the period with a finely crafted insect motif. The wings and body are set with glittering rose-cut diamonds, their old-world sparkle beautifully complemented by richly hued blue sapphires. Crafted with a silver top and gold back, the piece reflects the era’s signature technique of combining strength with elegance. Adding to its authenticity is the foil-backing—a hallmark of 18th- and early 19th-century craftsmanship. Thin sheets of reflective foil were carefully placed beneath gemstones to heighten their brilliance and enhance their color, particularly in candlelit settings where Georgian jewels came alive with a distinctive glow. While later abandoned as cutting and setting techniques advanced, foil-backing remains an important historical detail that speaks to the ingenuity and artistry of early jewelers.

Complete with a safety chain for security, this brooch is a charming example of Georgian jewelry that captures both the beauty of nature and the refinement of early craftsmanship.