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This gold rectangular brooch is set with a miniature portrait on ivory of a baby holding a silver coral and bells (1932.225). The child wears a pink dress with a wide neck and short, gathered sleeves. The portrait is set under beveled glass. The back is inscribed with the child's name and the date (see inscriptions). The brooch closed with a hinged pin and C-hook. It also has a loop on the reverse for suspension as a pendant.
brooches
miniatures (paintings)
pins (jewelry)
gold (metal)
miniatures (paintings)
ivory (tooth component)
watercolor (paint)
childhood
Brooch
"Mementos: Jewelry of Life and Love from Historic New England": Elizabeth Gilbert's parents commissioned a portrait of her holding her silver and coral rattle in 1839 when she was only ten months old.
"E. W. Gilbert Aged 10 mos 1839" (Engraved)
"C M
"CM" or "GM" (in watercolor at lower right-hand corner)
626
Unknown
Massachusetts
1 3/4 x 1 5/16 x 3/8 (HxWxD) (inches)
Gift of Miss Grace Gilbert
1932.224
"Jewelry at Historic New England," Online exhibit presented by Historic New England launched September 30, 2007 at www.historicnewengland.org/jewelryhistory/.
For more information on portrait jewelry see Fales, Martha Gandy, "Jewelry in America, 1600-1900," (1995): 220-222.
1839 (inscribed on verso)
Massachusetts (United States)
Boston (Suffolk county, Massachusetts)
Title String of carved beads Accession Number 1932.150
Title Combination locket and brooch Accession Number 1932.224
Title Silver baby's rattle (same pictured in 1932.224) Accession Number 1932.225
Title c - Watch with case and keys Accession Number 1932.226 a
Title Pendant Accession Number 1932.233
Title Onyx mosaic earrings Accession Number 1939.142 ab
Title c - Coral brooch and earrings Accession Number 1939.143 a
Title c - Coral brooch and earrings Accession Number 1939.144 a
Title Rattle Accession Number 1932.225
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