Mastery of Design: The Clockwork Peacock Brooch, c. 1880

The Victoria & Albert Museum

This would never be considered the finest jewel I’ve ever written about. But, it’s cute and it does stuff. An inexpensive brooch, this is a great example of the cheaper, mass produced jewelry that was within the financial means of the middle and lower classes. This sort of novelty with a clockwork mechanism was meant to be worn for fun more so than fashion.

You see, the peacock’s tail feathers , when the mechanism is wound, revolve. This bauble of a gilded copper alloy is set with paste and adorned with bright enamel. Made in Germany in 1880-1890, it’s a miracle that this brooch survives in working condition. 

Mastery of Design: The Joan Hurst Liberty Peacock, 1975

Necklace
Liberty & Co., 1975
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This grand necklace was made in 1975 to commemorate the centenary of London-based shop Liberty & Co. Liberty’s has long been known as an “oriental emporium,” and this reputation is depicted on the gold chain and frame in the form of blossoms and bamboo. The enameled gold peacock represents Liberty’s contributions to the Arts & Crafts Movement. 

The bird’s eyes are plique-a-jour enamel. 

Mastery of Design: The Clockwork Peacock Brooch, c. 1880

The Victoria & Albert Museum

This would never be considered the finest jewel I’ve ever written about.  But, it’s cute and it does stuff.  An inexpensive  brooch, this is a great example of the cheaper, mass produced jewelry that was within the financial means of the middle and lower classes. This sort of novelty with a clockwork mechanism was meant to be worn for fun more so than fashion.
 
You see, the peacock’s tail feathers , when the mechanism is wound, revolve.  This bauble of  a gilded copper alloy is set with paste and adorned with bright enamel.  Made in Germany in 1880-1890, it’s a miracle that this brooch survives in working condition.