Mastery of Design: The Jane Morris Brooch, 1820-1830

Brooch
Gold Filigree, Citrine, Emeralds, Rubies
British, 1820-1830
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This gold filigree brooch set with a large citrine and small emeralds and rubies was presented to Jane Morris as a gift from her husband, the celebrated artist and designer William Morris. Jane Morris, known as “Janey” to friends and family, was a frequent subject of her husband’s artist friends, including the painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
This brooch is among the number of jewels that she bequeathed to the V&A. Many of the others were gifts from her celebrity acquaintances including Rossetti himself.