Object of the Day: A Victorian Egyptian Revival Stickpin

As British archaeologists made surprising and wonderful discoveries in Egypt in the 1870s, designers of the time began to incorporate Egytptian motifs into their art. Furniture, architecture, and especially jewelry began to see the influence of ancient Egyptian style.


This glittering stickpin shows the influence of Egyptian design on British jewelers. Her face is constructed of rosy, hand-painted enamel over gold. The enamel work is exquisite and shows a depth and radiance that perfectly mimics natural skin tone. Her hair, tendrils of gold, cascades over her face, and her diadem is set with mine cut diamonds and rubies mounted by a single, perfect pearl.

In excellent condition, this Victorian stickpin was probably the star of the show and a very prized possession. Worn in the silk cravat of a fine gentleman, she would have stared out mysteriously, beckoning all who gazed upon her to explore the treasures of the world.