Victorian 15K Gold Malachite Brooch with Portrait Compartment on the Reverse

Antique Gold Malachite Brooch 

An exquisite antique gold brooch showcasing a richly patterned malachite center framed by a beautifully detailed gold border. On the reverse, a hidden portrait compartment preserves a piece of history — a cherished glimpse into the Victorian era.

This magnificent antique brooch is a testament to 19th-century artistry and sentiment. The front features an oval malachite plaque, admired for its deep green swirls and natural banding — a gemstone once prized by Victorian jewelers for its striking beauty and symbolic protection. Encircling it, a hand-finished gold frame with intricate beaded detail exemplifies the elegance and precision of fine period craftsmanship.

Turn the piece over, and it reveals a secret: a portrait compartment containing an original sepia photograph of a Victorian lady, delicately preserved behind glass. Such hidden compartments were often created to hold portraits or locks of hair, making each jewel profoundly personal — a wearable keepsake of love and memory.

This brooch may also be worn as a pendant, offering versatility alongside its remarkable artistry. A piece of history, it embodies both beauty and emotion — an heirloom to treasure for generations.

Technical Specifications

• Material: 15K Yellow Gold

• Gemstone: Malachite

• Design: Oval malachite center within beaded gold frame

• Special Feature: Portrait compartment on reverse

• Period: Victorian (circa 1860s–1880s)

• Condition: Excellent antique condition

• Dimensions: Approximately 3 inches wide