Object of the Day: A Ruby and Seed Pearl Stickpin

In early civilizations, men wore elaborate jewels which rivaled those worn by women. As time progressed, the fashion of adorning women with intricate gem designs rose while a man’s jewelry options dwindled. By the 1800’s men still looked for ways to incorporate some sparkle into their daily wardrobe. One opportunity came from the use of stickpins.


Victorian stickpins were often quite decadent and incorporated the ideals of jewelry design of the era. Take this ruby and diamond stickpin. English in origin, deep pigeon blood rubies have been set in a diamond pattern of 15 karat gold. Each intersection of this harlequin shape has been accented with a seed pearl ranging in gray to white in color. Nestled into a cravat, this stickpin would have delivered brilliant flashes of red in candlelight or daylight. A stickpin such as this one was designed for both formal and informal occasions. Whether worn with a dressing gown or with a cravat to a business meeting, this crimson beauty offered a subtle shimmer to a gentleman’s attire.