A stunning beetle bar brooch from the late Victorian period. Although the pretty little beetles in this type of jewellery are known as scarabs, they are called tortoise or leaf beetles. Their scientific name is polychalca punctatissima and they originate from South America.

This lovely brooch has the beetle enclosed in a gilt metal collet with an open back, so all the incredible detail of the underside of the beetle is visible. The beautiful iridescent colours are so vivid, in fact, that you could be mistaken in thinking that the beetles have been metalised or have been man-made, but this is their natural colouring.

This incredible pin brooch measures approx. 4.5cm long and the length of the beetle is approx. 1.5cm. The beetle and collet are in excellent condition, much of the gilding has worn away on the bar.

A beautiful and highly unusual brooch.