French Victorian Bar Brooch with Bejewelled Beetle in Garnet, Ruby and Diamonds

French, circa 1860, a Victorian bar brooch in 18 carat warm yellow gold, centred by a jewelled beetle. The wing covers are formed by two domed garnets of deep wine colour, while the thorax is set with rose cut diamonds and tiny senailles in a silver top. Ruby eyes give a sly, alert expression, and a single pearl finial softens the line of the bar. With the wing cases eased open, it feels less pinned than briefly persuaded to stay.