Victorian 14k Bloomed Two-Tone Gold, Turquoise, and Pearl Buckle Brooch

A distinctive jewel of the Victorian era, this circa 1870 buckle brooch reflects the 19th century’s fascination with symbolism, sentiment, and elaborate craftsmanship. Fashioned in 14k two-tone gold with a softly textured, “bloomed” surface, the brooch combines rich yellow and contrasting gold tones with luminous pearls and vivid turquoise, creating a jewel of both visual warmth and historic character.

The buckle motif was especially meaningful in Victorian jewelry, traditionally associated with loyalty, strength, fidelity, and the enduring bonds between loved ones. Its appearance in brooches and other sentimental jewels made it particularly suited to gifts marking relationships, milestones, or personal devotion.

The use of turquoise and pearls further enhances its Victorian language. Turquoise was cherished throughout the 19th century for its distinctive blue-green color and was often associated with protection and good fortune, while pearls carried long-standing associations with purity, femininity, and refinement. The softly “bloomed” gold, deliberately textured to diffuse the metal’s surface and create a rich, matte glow, speaks to the period’s appreciation for intricate goldsmithing techniques.

Dating to approximately 1870, this brooch belongs to the High Victorian period, when jewelry was deeply intertwined with emotion, symbolism, and the elaborate fashions of the age. Both ornamental and deeply expressive, it is a charming survivor of a time when even the smallest jewel could carry a meaningful story.

• Circa 1870

• Effaced assay mark, tests 14k bloomed yellow and 14k rose gold.  

• One seed pearl and one cabochon turquoise 

• Measures 2 x ¾ in.

• Estimated gross weight: 5.1 grams

• Very good vintage condition, wear in the form of minor scratches; visible lead solder, visible patina and wear appropriate with age