Circle Brooch

Designer Sybil Dunlop (British, 1889-1968)

Place of OriginLondon, England

Dateabout 1900

DimensionsDiam: 1 9/16 in. (4 cm)

MediumCast sterling silver circular brooch mounted with semi-precious gems

ClassificationJewelry

Credit LineGift of Rhoda L. and Roger M. Berkowitz

Object number

2013.175

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 34, Jewelry Gallery

DescriptionWreath-like circular brooch cast in sterling silver, consisting of a silver circle from which the leaves of a vine in wire emanate in regular intervals. These are interspersed by semi-precious cabochon gems representing stylized flowers. The central pin is invisible when worn. Wreath-like circular brooch cast in sterling silver, consisting of an undulating cast silver circle from which the leaves of a vine in wire emanate in regular intervals. These are interspersed by semi-precious cabochon gems in bezel settings representing stylized flowers. The central pin is invisible when worn.

Label TextSybil Dunlop learned the basics of jewelry making in Brussels, before returning to England to establish a jewelry business with W. Nathanson in London in the early 1920s. Her late Arts and Craft style was characterized by the use of gemstones in designs inspired by nature, such as this brooch with its silver circle from which the leaves of a wire vine emanate in regular intervals. These are interspersed with semi-precious cabochon gems representing stylized flowers.Published References

cf. Hinks, Peter, Twentieth Century British Jewellery, London, 1983, pp. 84-85.