A breathtakingly rare Art Deco sterling silver jewelry set by the renowned English silversmith Thomas L. Mott (T.L.M.), dating to the 1920s–1930s, and featuring real Morpho butterfly wings — nature’s own iridescent artwork, forever preserved under domed glass.
The brooch showcases a long, graceful navette (marquise) shape with a gently domed glass front that magnifies the shimmering blue-green iridescence of genuine Morpho butterfly wing beneath. The ethereal light play — a mesmerizing spectrum of aqua, violet, and peacock blue — shifts beautifully with movement. The back is solid sterling silver, finely edged with a delicate beaded border typical of Mott’s elegant Art Deco refinement.
The matching screw-back earrings echo the same craftsmanship and artistry, each featuring a miniature domed cabochon landscape scene — reverse-painted on glass over a butterfly wing background, depicting tranquil waterfalls and lush greenery. Both are stamped “T.L.M. Sterling”, confirming their authenticity as works by Thomas L. Mott of Birmingham, England.
The Thomas L. Mott company became world-famous during the 1920s–1940s for their “butterfly wing jewelry,” a style that originated from an earlier firm, Henry W. King & Co., and was later popularized by Mott. These delicate creations captured the iridescent beauty of Morpho menelaus butterfly wings imported from South America, typically mounted under glass and framed in silver.
Mott’s workshop produced brooches, pendants, earrings, and cufflinks that became souvenirs of exotic locales — including pieces marketed at events like the 1924 British Empire Exhibition. Each design celebrated the meeting of Art Deco geometry with nature’s organic brilliance, and no two pieces are exactly alike.
Thomas L. Mott butterfly wing jewelry remains highly collectible today, prized for its delicate craftsmanship, vibrant coloration, and historical significance in Art Deco design.
Comparable sets (brooch with earrings) are rarely found intact.
Measurements : The brooch measures 4.7 cm x 1.2cm and weight of 5.4grams.Each earring measures 1.5cm in diameter and combined weight of 4.1g
