This stunning Victorian paste-set crescent brooch is in remarkably good condition for its age. The backing is gilt base metal, but in nearly untarnished condition.
 
These beautiful crescent moons were the height of fashion in the late Victorian era, and symbolised female empowerment through reference to the female moon goddess.
 
Like many symbols in Victorian jewellery, the moon also holds more than one type of symbolism, and could similarly be used to reference a love / relationship becoming fulfilled through marriage, just as the crescent moon eventually turns into a completed full moon.
 
This particular brooch is a larger example of its kind, featuring a long line of pristine sparkling paste diamonds.