Item HT 62138 Brooch - Miner's Brooch, Gold & Enamel, George Bell, Melbourne, Victoria, circa 1872

Summary

Gold and enamel miner's brooch by George Bell, circa 1872.
The brooch features the tools of the miner's trade, a pick and shovel in horizontal position with the pick head to the left and the shovel head to the right, as well as a gold bucket. In addition, it features a branch with gold leaves and two two small flowers of blue enamel.

Although it is not marked, the use of enamel makes it highly likely it was made by George Bell of Melbourne, as Bell appears to be the only colonial jeweller using enamel in decoration, especially this light blue colour.

Physical Description

Gold brooch with pick and shovel in horizontal position with the pick head to the left and the shovel head to the right. In the middle of the pick handle is a band from which hangs a gold bucket with a 'thatched' engraved pattern. The band attaches to the pick handle an upturned and spread single branch with four leaves spread along the branch and a leaf to each end. Also attached to the branch are two small flowers of blue enamel. The enamel flowers have red, black and yellow centres with black lines defining the petals. In the middle of the shovel shaft is positioned a small gold nugget.