Large Silver Arts & Crafts Brooch Antique Victorian Red Carnelian Stock Pin Equestrian Riding Tie Pin Jewellery

This is a large and handsome late Victorian Arts and Crafts c1890s-1900 brooch or stock pin (bar brooch, sweetheart brooch) cast in solid silver and set with a stunning blood red carnelian. The gem has been cleverly cut in a tall curved pyramid shape which captures the light from every angle, setting off its glowing brilliant red colour: possibly the loveliest carnelian we have ever come across. The setting echoes the elegance of line and simple confident design of the Arts and Crafts movement, and tests of silver, though it is not hallmarked. This is a striking brooch, solid and well made, with a luxurious, quality feel to it. It measures an impressive 2.6 inches in length and is just under 1 inch wide, with the carnelian measuring 0.9 x 1.5 cm. The fastening is a roll over clasp with a Victorian style trumpet hinge and straight pin. In amazing condition, truly spectacular.

Period & Style: Arts and Crafts Victorian c 1890s-1900s
Dimensions: 2.6 x 0.9 inches, 6.8 x 2.3 cm. The carnelian measures 1.5 cm across and is 1 cm tall.
Materials: Silver (grade unknown), carnelian
Fastenings: Roll over clasp.
Hallmarks: None
Condition: Great - well preserved and in good working order.

The Arts and Crafts movement was a major social phenomenon from the second half of the 19th century. The founder, art critic and social theorist John Ruskin, saw the medieval workman as the model of contentment and creativity. He advocated a simple way of life guided by an aesthetic philosophy centered on the idea that people's lives would be enriched by being surrounded with simple but beautiful objects. Arts and Crafts jewellery foregrounded hand crafted silver or pewter, often set with gemstones or ceramic 'plaques'. The designs looked remarkably modern, bold simple and stylish - just like this brooch.

Stock pins are used by equestrians to fasten the white tie (stock) which is part of their costume, but can also be worn in a variety of other ways. They are essentially decorative safety pins, very handy for all sorts of uses. Looking at a Victorian jewellery Catalogue (The New England Jeweler, published in 1892), bar brooches such as these were sold as 'Ladies' lace pins', intended to be used as safety pins essentially, fixing scarves, clothing drapery in a comely manner. This looks very smart when worn as an Equestrian's stock pin (see photo).

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