On break: we are closed from 4/7 to 4/14.

Georgian Rock Crystal Halley's Comet Brooch

$900

Sold!

This comet brooch, made to commemorate Halley’s 1835 return, is less decoratively ornate than what we usually see: a foil-backed rock crystal forms the blazing head, with a straight gold tail trailing behind. For centuries, Halley’s comet was seen as a bad omen—an Anglo-Saxon monk once called it a “source of tears to many mothers.” But by the 1830s, thanks to astronomers like Edmond Halley, Western European people understood they were witnessing a cosmic event, not divine wrath. Jewelers marked the moment with celebratory comet jewelry like this.

  • Materials

    14k gold (tests), silver, 9.5mm x 7.5mm faceted rock crystal

  • Age

    c. 1840

  • Condition

    Very good

  • Size

    1 1/8" length

Need more photos?

Send us an email to request photos of this piece on a model.

Georgian

Aboutthe

GeorgianEra

17141837

please note:Terms of Sale

Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.