BUTTERFLY WING PORTRAIT BROOCH.
THE PIECE
A vintage early 1900s English sterling silver portrait brooch, featuring a beautifully detailed Victorian-era lady captured beneath a domed glass cabochon.
Her silhouette is set against a luminous butterfly wing background, creating that unmistakable deep, iridescent glow that shifts between rich blues, greens, and midnight tones as the light hits it.
To elevate it even further… her gown is delicately adorned with tiny chips of opal, adding flashes of colour and fire — subtle, but absolutely magical.
A LITTLE HISTORY (THE MAGIC BEHIND IT)
Butterfly wing jewellery became popular in England during the late Victorian to early 20th century, especially in pieces brought back from tropical regions like Brazil.
-The wings (often Morpho butterflies) were prized for their natural, electric blue iridescence, used as an artistic medium rather than a gemstone.
-These pieces were typically handcrafted, making each one slightly unique — no two backgrounds ever look exactly the same.
-The use of a painted portrait overlay on butterfly wing is particularly special — blending fine art with natural beauty.
CRAFTSMANSHIP & DETAILS
• Solid sterling silver frame.
• Classic oval form with fine beaded edge detail
• Domed glass (cabochon) protecting the artwork beneath.
• Genuine butterfly wing backing .
• Hand-painted / applied Victorian lady portrait.
• Dress embellished with opal gemstone chips.
• Traditional brooch pin fastening to reverse.
Measurements : The brooch measures 3.8cm x 2.6cm .The brooch with a weight of 9.4grams.
