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thumbnail of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on white background) thumbnail of Side detail view of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on black background) thumbnail of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on hand for scale) thumbnail of Front view of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on black and blue background) thumbnail of Reverse side view of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with a monogram having the letters RWJ possibly (shown on black background)
c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on white background)
Side detail view of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on black background)
c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on hand for scale)
Front view of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on black and blue background)
Reverse side view of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with a monogram having the letters RWJ possibly (shown on black background)
Vintage

c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature

$2,650
c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on white background)
Side detail view of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on black background)
c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on hand for scale)
Front view of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with the words "je ne change qu'en mourant" (shown on black and blue background)
Reverse side view of c1800 Georgian Sepia Miniature of an ivy leaf with a monogram having the letters RWJ possibly (shown on black background)
Ships Today if Ordered by 1pm EST

An unusual Georgian-era sentimental navette-shaped brooch with the image of an ivy leaf and the French phrase "Je Ne Change Qu'en Mourant," which translates to "I remain steadfast until death." The words and image are inked in sepia on white porcelain and embellished with snippets of golden hair, particularly in the garland branches beneath the leaf. Though the use of hair in jewelry is often associated with mourning, it was commonly used for sentimental and romantic purposes as well. This brooch was likely a gift to a lover; a gesture of faithfulness and eternal commitment, complete with snippets of her golden hair. In a 9K rose gold case with a monogram engraved on the back. Dates to c1800.

Materials

9K Gold, Crystal, Porcelain, Sepia, Hair

Date

c1800

Condition

Good. Surface wear to crystal and metal. Possibly an old repair to the clasp on the back.

Size

Length: 1.25"