This elegant 19th-century brooch is designed as a butterfly, its wings and body set with old brilliant-cut diamonds. The eyes are formed by small cabochon-cut emeralds. The diamonds are set in silver on gold, and the butterfly itself is mounted en tremblant — on a fine spring mechanism that allows the butterfly to move gently when worn, enhancing the sparkle of the diamonds as they catch the light.

Butterfly motifs were especially fashionable in the late 19th century, when naturalistic designs inspired by nature enjoyed great favour. The butterfly, long a symbol of transformation and the soul, was a recurring motif of the Victorian era and was also admired for its graceful form and lightness.

The fine construction and refined detailing of this butterfly brooch demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship characteristic of the best late-Victorian jewellery.