Victorian Malachite & Greek Key Enamel Brooch

Photos
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Description

Victorian Malachite & Greek Key Enamel Brooch – Neoclassical Revival Antique c.1865
A beautifully preserved example of Victorian Neoclassical Revival jewellery — an exquisite Christmas gift for the discerning collector or lover of fine antique treasures.
Description
Offered for sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd, this exceptional Victorian circular brooch, dating from around 1865, perfectly embodies the elegance of Neoclassical Revival design.
At its centre lies a striking domed cabochon-cut malachite gemstone, polished to a smooth, glossy dome. The natural banding of the malachite reveals swirling patterns of deep emerald and lighter mint green tones — a mesmerising marbled effect that epitomises the finest quality of this gemstone. In Victorian symbolism, malachite was believed to promote protection, prosperity, and vitality.
Encircling the stone is a gilded brass (pinchbeck) mount, beautifully adorned with a black enamel Greek key (meander) motif, representing eternity and unity. A finely engraved gold-toned inner border enhances the contrast between the vivid green gemstone and the dark enamel — a hallmark of refined 19th-century craftsmanship.
Entirely handcrafted, the brooch retains its original C-clasp and elongated pin stem, and its surface glows with an authentic antique patina that enhances its charm and originality.
Details
Date: Circa 1865
Style: Victorian, Neoclassical Revival
Origin: United Kingdom
Materials:
Central stone: Natural malachite (domed cabochon, richly banded green)
Mount: Gilded brass / pinchbeck
Decoration: Black enamel Greek key motif
Pin: Steel

Historical Significance
This brooch captures the Victorian fascination with classical antiquity, drawing inspiration from the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. The Greek key motif, popular in mid-19th-century decorative arts, symbolises infinity, unity, and eternal flow — ideals deeply resonant with the Romantic and Neoclassical movements of the period.
Malachite, historically mined in Russia’s Ural Mountains and later in Africa, was prized for its vibrant green bands and believed metaphysical properties. In jewellery, it represented beauty, protection, and good fortune, making it both a symbolic and aesthetic choice.
This piece, with its combination of meaningful design, fine materials, and exquisite craftsmanship, is a wearable work of history and a testament to Victorian artistry.
Perfect Christmas Gift
A meaningful and elegant choice for:
Collectors of antique jewellery
Admirers of Neoclassical design
Lovers of historic craftsmanship
A memorable Victorian-era Christmas gift, full of authentic character and style, professionally packaged and ready to gift.
Summary
Authentic Victorian brooch (c.1865)
Domed malachite cabochon with vivid natural banding
Greek key black enamel surround in gilded brass mount
Original fittings and warm antique patina
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Ideal as an investment piece or heirloom gift
Buy with Confidence
A genuine 19th-century treasure that combines craftsmanship, symbolism, and history.
Perfect for display, occasional wear, or as a cherished keepsake for generations to come.
Worldwide shipping available – professionally packaged and fully insured for safe delivery.
Click “Buy It Now” to make it yours before it’s gone.
UK & International Valuation & Description Disclaimer
This description has been prepared in good faith by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD (United Kingdom), based on photographs, measurements, and available market data as of October 2025.
All gemstone and metal identifications have been made by visual assessment in accordance with accepted trade practice for desk-based antique appraisals. No gemmological or metallurgical testing has been undertaken unless stated.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD accepts no liability for subsequent variation in valuation, description, or realised prices.
© 2025 Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD – All rights reserved.
Reproduction or quotation from this listing without written permission is prohibited.
We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.

Registered Office Address

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775


Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
Shipping information
We offer Free Delivery to Mainland England, Wales mainland & Scottish lowlands mainland areas only!
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.


Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.

Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.

Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.

Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Terms and conditions
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.

If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.

Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.

Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.

Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.

Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
DateVictorian DimensionsDimensions: 3.4 cm × 3.2 cm × 1.7 cm Weight: 14.14 g ConditionCondition Good antique used condition with original fittings intact. Minor age-related wear consistent with 19th-century manufacture. Codeas1013a1266 Price £650.00     744.64     $869.25    The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 4/DEC/2025.
Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
StatusFor Sale SellerCheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd Telephone07494 763382Non UK callers :+44 7494 763382 Emailcheshireantiquesconsultant@gmail.com

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