Victorian Agate Bee & Diamond Arrow Brooch

A wonderfully quirky antique Victorian brooch, circa 1885, featuring a friendly little bee with striped agate body and diamond studded wings, perched on the shaft of a diamond studded arrow. 

Brimming with positive symbolic meaning, the bee represented hard work and loyalty in the 19th century, with an association to the sweeter things in life- like honey and flowers- and bee themed jewels were often given to Victorian brides. The combo of the arrow adds to the theme of love- an arrow in this context could be associated with the idea of a "love struck" heart and true passion.

Details: Measuring approximately 2 5/8" long and 3/8" wide. Not marked for gold content but the XRF tests to 14k with silver accents and pin stem. The bee has garnet eyes and thorax with a striped agate body, all the rose-cut diamonds are natural mined from the earth.

Condition: In excellent condition with a subtle patina. The tube hinge and safety catch are in strong secure working order, with a little figure-8 safety for the pin stem at the hood of the clasp.