Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This delicate set includes a brooch and matching dangle earrings fashioned from repurposed porcelain china plates, bound with gilded metal edging. The pattern depicts a Marbled White butterfly (*Melanargia galathea*) resting on purple thistles, a classic naturalist motif. Artisan 'broken china' jewelry transforms discarded antique or vintage tableware into wearable art pieces.
Story
Victorian ladies spent hours collecting floral and insect china patterns, a obsession known as 'chinamania.' Decades later, clever artisans upcycled these damaged heirlooms into unique jewelry sets.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this set is typical of studio studio jewelers who specialize in 'pique-assiette' or broken china arts. Craftspeople carefully cut fragments from cracked or incomplete antique ceramic plates, grinding the raw porcelain edges smooth before framing them with copper foil, solder, or gilded metal wire.
Condition & Value
Very good overall condition with vibrant transfer colors. Minor wear and rubbing visible on the gold-toned rim trim, which is common for gilded hand-finished edges. The original earring findings remain intact.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.