Victorian demantoid garnet and diamond brooch. Set with seven round old cut natural unenhanced demantoid garnets in open back rubover settings with an approximate combined weight of 0.75 carats, further decorated with twenty three mixed round old cuts in open back grain and rubover settings with a combined weight of 0.60 carats, to an elegant stylised brooch featuring floral motifs with millegrain detailing, polished edges and fancy open backholing, fitted to reverse with a secure hinge pin and C-clasp, approximately 4cm in length. Tested yellow gold and silver, numbered '8298', circa 1880.

Demantoid garnets derive their name from the Flemish word ‘demant’ meaning diamond, due to their diamond-like lustre and dispersion. Gem quality demantoid garnets are often small is size but feature a distinct and vivid green colour. First discovered in Russia’s Ural mountains in the mid-19th century, Russia and was the only source until the discovery of the Namibian deposits in the 1990s. The Russian mines are long since depleted and to this day, the finest examples of this gem are found in antique pieces.

One of the unique features of demantoid garnets is the presence of characteristic needle-like inclusions known as "horsetails”. A well-defined horsetail inclusion within a stone is highly-prized.

Demantoids became a signature gem of the house of Fabergé, and was a favourite gemstone for the decorative designs of the Edwardian and Art Deco eras.

This brooch is in good condition.