Antique Citrine, Natural Pearl & Ruby Memorial Brooch | Late Georgian Style | Inscription Dated 1837

Warm golden citrine, softly lustrous pearls and rose-red rubies come together in this beautifully detailed antique memorial brooch. Its colourful front is complemented by a personal inscription on the reverse, preserving a name and a moment in nineteenth-century history.

The centre features a rectangular cut-corner natural citrine measuring approximately 19 × 13mm. Its stepped facets create broad reflections, shifting from pale gold to deeper honey tones as the light changes. A fine bezel follows the outline of the stone, emphasising its clean geometry.

Twenty-two natural pearls form a softly rounded inner border, surrounded by twenty-two small claw-set natural rubies. The double-border design balances the citrine’s angular shape with the gentle curves of the pearls, while the rubies add bright touches of pinkish red. Together, the three gemstones create a harmonious combination of colour, texture and light.

The reverse bears an engraved inscription, read as:

“Elizabeth Tomlin”
“Obᵗ 20 Nov 1837 Aged 20”

“Obᵗ” is an abbreviation of the Latin word meaning “died”. The inscription therefore appears to commemorate Elizabeth Tomlin, who died on 20 November 1837, aged 20. The final age is read from the photographs and remains subject to confirmation.

This is a memorial date rather than a confirmed manufacturing date. The design reflects the elegance of late Georgian jewellery, while the engraving adds a poignant personal dimension.

Details

• Style: Late Georgian
• Metal: Gold mount, provisionally described as 9ct; exact fineness has not been confirmed
• Centre stone: Natural citrine
• Citrine dimensions: Approximately 19 × 13mm
• Pearls: 22 natural pearls, approximately 2.8mm in diameter
• Rubies: 22 natural rubies, approximately 1.7mm in diameter
• Total weight: 10.67g
• Overall dimensions: Approximately 30 × 23mm
• Engraved name: Read as Elizabeth Tomlin
• Memorial inscription: Obᵗ 20 Nov 1837 Aged 20

Condition

The brooch shows age-related surface wear and patina, including visible marks to the reverse. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and show the details and condition of this antique piece.

Shipping

【📦 Worldwide shipping from London, UK】

Carefully packaged and dispatched from London, UK. International shipping is available via tracked FedEx or DHL services. Please provide a contact telephone number for the courier when placing your order.