Vintage 15ct Gold, Silver, Rose-Cut Diamond & Garnet Tortoise Brooch
What Zuleika Says
SKU218M
Description
A wonderfully charming vintage tortoise brooch, believed to date to the late 20th century, featuring a large, beautifully polished cabochon garnet forming the tortoise's shell, surrounded by sparkling rose-cut diamonds set in silver and 15ct yellow gold.
The garnet has a lovely deep, wine-red colour, appearing almost black in certain lights before revealing beautiful flashes of rich claret. It forms the rounded shell of the tortoise, surrounded by a glittering border of rose-cut diamonds, while the little creature's head, legs and feet are wonderfully detailed and similarly decorated with diamonds.
The combination of darkened silver, warm yellow gold and softly sparkling rose-cut diamonds gives the brooch the wonderful appearance of a Victorian jewel, with its exaggerated features and rather comical expression adding plenty of personality.
Although this is not an original Victorian piece, it takes its inspiration from the extraordinary animal jewellery of the 19th century. The Victorians had a particular fascination with the natural world, and jewellers produced wonderfully imaginative representations of everything from insects and birds to frogs, lizards and tortoises.
Tortoises have long been associated with longevity, patience, wisdom and perseverance. Their remarkably long lives made them natural symbols of endurance, while their protective shells have also given them associations with security and stability in various cultures.
The tortoise was a particularly appealing subject for jewellery, as its rounded shell could be represented by a single polished gemstone, creating a delightful contrast between the smooth cabochon and the intricate diamond-set body.
This brooch offers a wonderfully accessible way to enjoy the appearance of Victorian animal jewellery without the considerable premium often associated with an original 19th-century example. Made with genuine gemstones and precious metals, it has all the charm and character of an earlier design while remaining a playful vintage jewel in its own right.
A wonderfully eccentric little creature, full of personality and symbolism. Perfect for anyone who loves tortoises, unusual animal jewellery or simply something that makes them smile.
Details
Date & Origin 1960s-1990s, English
Era Late 20th Century (1970s-1990s)
Measurements
Material 15ct Gold and Silver
Hallmarks Unmarked
Condition Very good
Care Recommendation
Any questions?
Get in touch with Zuleika about the Vintage 15ct Gold, Silver, Rose-Cut Diamond & Garnet Tortoise Brooch ()
Email: zuleika@parkinandgerrish.com
Call: +44 (0) 2072062420
WhatsApp: +44 (0) 7766718842
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UK - 1-2 Business Days
WORLDWIDE - 3-5 Business Days
Please note these are estimated times of arrival. If you need it sooner get in touch.
I will do my very best to dispatch all orders the same working day wherever possible.
Have questions?
Get in touch with us at any time.
ORDER FAQs
Do you offer layaway? Can I pay in instalments?
Yes! We have different ways of doing layaways. Paypal is most popular or via bank transfer. We try to be as flexible as possible, so if you tell us what you need, we will agree the layaway terms on a case by case basis with you. We usually offer a paypal invoice over the period of 3 months, but can happily extend to 6 months if needed. We do not charge interest for instalment payments. Paypal invoice allows you to pay a partial payment whenever is convenient for you.
A 20% up front, non refundable, deposit is required to hold the item, and this counts towards the item total. Payment is then made over the following weeks and the final payment must be made by the agreed end date.
Please note, items bought on layaway are returnable, but the deposit is non refundable. Items are shipped once payment is completed. If payment is not made within the agreed time frame, we will try to work with you to agree a solution, but reserve the right to refund your money (bar the deposit) and re-list the item Please contact us directly to discuss further.
Does it come with a certificate?
Yes, we provide a Parkin & Gerrish certificate with your purchase. All of our jewellery is checked and examined in house by Zuleika who is a professional gemologist and a FGA (Fellow of the Gemmology Association) and DGA (Diamond Member of the Gemmological Association).
The Parkin & Gerrish certificate is perfect to give to your insurance company along with a copy of the invoice. Please note, the certificate we provide is not a gemological certificate.
Some of our higher end jewellery will come with accredited gemological/diamond certification from a lab. If it does, it will be mentioned in the description. If it has not been lab certified, it is possible to provide such a certificate from a reputable London gemological lab. There is an additional non refundable charge for this, approximately £80 -120 plus VAT. Please get in touch with us to find out more.
Can I try on before I buy? I need help deciding!
As we are online-only, we offer virtual appointments with Zoom, WhatsApp & Signal video. We are more than happy to provide any additional photos, videos or details about the item/s via email and WhatsApp/Signal. Zuleika will be delighted to be your very own personal virtual shopping assistant. Do get in touch with us.
If you order jewellery from us and it doesn’t satisfy you in any way, we offer a full refund policy - please read for further details.
How long will my order take to arrive?
We aim to dispatch as soon as possible and usually within 24 hours but there might be a delay up to 72 hours. Please allow an additional 5 working days to the delivery time for resizing of rings. Please get in touch if you are wishing to have your item arrive for a particular date and we will try our best to accommodate.
Can a product be engraved?
Yes, please contact us for further details on cost and availability. Any piece that is engraved is a final sale.
Shipping & Returns
How much does shipping cost?
All shipping information can be found on our shipping page.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we use Royal Mail and DHL to ship worldwide. We use secure and insured services. Read our shipping policy here.
Do you ship to P.O.boxes?
We are currently unable to ship to P.O. boxes
What is your return policy?
All return information can be found on our Return and Refund page.
Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable Packaging
Our gift boxes are plastic free, fully recyclable and FSC certified. They are high quality rigid luxury boxes that look and feel amazing. They have been beautifully designed by Zuleika and Oliver and best of all, made in the UK!
Our jewellery is presented inside the gift box in a green presentation box, as well as, a luxury reusable pouch and tissue paper. Our boxes, pouches and tissue paper are made in the UK and support small businesses.
Our postage packaging is also recyclable. You can read more here about how we are sustainable.
Made in the UK
Parkin & Gerrish are very proud to be not just a British Brand, but also a small family run business. We have personally hand-picked all our jewellery, as well as our manufactured jewellery, our packaging and even our jewellery cleaner from all over the UK, supporting local and small businesses.
The point is, we know exactly where everything comes from and how it is made. We have homegrown ethics and principles, we care about people, customers, suppliers and our planet and the next generation.
Signature Gift Wrapping
Every purchase is lovingly gift wrapped by Zuleika herself.
We felt it was important, as we are not a physical shop and online only, you have the ultimate experience of opening our beautiful packaging. Nothing feels better than receiving jewellery.
We can include a gift messages too - please add to your order note or send us an email.
Oh and do not worry, your secret is safe with us! We have very discreet packaging on the outside – we also do not want the postman to know the box he is carrying contains jewellery!
Sustainability
Did you know?
Buying antique, vintage and second hand jewellery gives these pieces a second lease of life!
There is a big shift, not just within the fashion industry, but in the jewellery industry too. Vintage is no longer just for clothing. We find more shoppers are looking to the craftsmanship of the past for their everyday jewellery.
