Mastery of Design: The Sailor's Hat Brooch, 1900

Reverse Crystal Intaglio Brooch
England, 1900
The Victoria & Albert Museum

A reverse crystal intaglio of a sailor's hat with the ribbon inscribed: HMS MINOTAUR is the central jewel of this brooch. The intaglio is set on a gold bar brooch. The piece was made in England in 1900. 

Not much is known about the piece. Most likely, it was made to commemorate the naval service of a loved one for whom the brooch was made.