Victorian 15k Yellow Bloomed Gold and Citrine Brooch

A luminous example of early Victorian jewelry, this exquisite brooch dates to circa 1850, a period when jewelry became increasingly expressive of sentiment, nature, and personal adornment. Crafted in 15k yellow bloomed gold, its softly matte surface creates a beautiful contrast with the warm, honeyed glow of the citrine, allowing the gemstone to take center stage.

Citrine was especially admired in nineteenth-century jewelry for its golden color and association with warmth, light, and prosperity. The use of bloomed gold, a technique in which the surface was treated to produce a rich, softly textured finish, was particularly suited to the romantic aesthetic of the Victorian era, lending jewels an understated yet luxurious character.

Beyond its exceptional craftsmanship, this brooch carries remarkable provenance. It belonged to Helen Elizabeth Waters Mitchell (1822–1919), who was born in Wick, Scotland, and later settled in Morristown, New Jersey. She wore this treasured jewel on June 25, 1858, the day she married William Grey Mitchell, making it not only a fine example of Victorian jewelry but also a tangible piece of family and social history. Preserved for more than 165 years, this brooch stands as an heirloom of enduring beauty, celebrating the artistry of the Victorian period and the personal story of the woman who cherished it on one of the most important days of her life.

• Circa 1850

• 15k bloomed yellow gold, stamped “15k” 

• 1 citrine weighing approximately 16.60 carats

• Measures 1 ¼ x 1 in.

• Estimated gross weight: 10.8 grams

• Good vintage condition, with wear in the form of minor scratches, pin replaced at some point in time, visible lead solder, and wear appropriate with age