Mastery of Design: The Jane Morris Topaz Brooch, 1820-30

Topaz Brooch
1820-1830
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This topaz brooch originally belonged to Mrs. Jane Morris (“Janey, as she was known”), the wife of the artist, designer and socialist William Morris.  Janey was often painted by the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti (with whom, it is thought, that she shared a romantic entanglement).  Many of the gorgeous jewels which lined Janey’s jewel box were actually given to her by Rossetti--including this topaz brooch which was bequeathed to the V&A by her daughter, Miss  May Morris in 1938.

This topaz brooch in a gold filigree frame was made in Europe between 1820 and 1830.  

Mastery of Design: The Jane Morris Citrine, 1820-30

Citrine Brooch
Set with emeralds and rubies.
Belonging to Mrs. Jane Morris
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This handsome citrine brooch originally belonged to Jane Morris, the wife of the artist, designer and socialist William Morris.  We’ve looked at several of “Janey’s” jewels before.  Many of them, oddly enough, didn’t come from her famous husband, but, instead came from one of his famous friends.  You see, Janey was often painted by the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti with whom she enjoyed a long “friendship.”  Many of Janey’s  jewels were given to her by Rossetti—including this one.

Oblong with rounded corners, the brooch is set with twelve small rubies and emeralds which are mounted in the filigree frame which surrounds the central stone.  It was made between 1820 and 1830.  It was later adapted to be worn as a pendant.

Her collection was bequeathed to the V&A by her daughter, May, in 1938.

Some other baubles Rossetti gave to "Janey."

Mastery of Design: The Jane Morris Topaz Brooch, 1820-30

Topaz Brooch
1820-1830
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This topaz brooch originally belonged to Mrs. Jane Morris (“Janey, as she was known”), the wife of the artist, designer and socialist William Morris.  Janey was often painted by the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti (with whom, it is thought, that she shared a romantic entanglement).  Many of the gorgeous jewels which lined Janey’s jewel box were actually given to her by Rossetti--including this topaz brooch which was bequeathed to the V&A by her daughter, Miss  May Morris in 1938.

This topaz brooch in a gold filigree frame was made in Europe between 1820 and 1830.  

Mastery of Design: The Janey Morris Brooch, 1820-30

Brooch belonging to Janey Morris, 1820-1830
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This fine citrine brooch originally belonged to Mrs. Jane Morris (known as Janey), the wife of the artist, designer and socialist William Morris. Janey was a favorite subject of her famous husband and his artist friends.  She was often painted by the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti who had a special fondness for her.  Rossetti often made innocent gifts of jewelry to his friend’s wife, some of which—including this jewel--were bequeathed to the V&A by her daughter May in 1938.

The brooch is oblong with rounded corners. Twelve small rubies and emeralds are set in the filigree decoration surrounding the central sunny citrine.  The brooch was made between 1820 and 1830 in the style of gold filigree which was fashionable at the time in London.  

Others gifts presented to Mrs. Morris