The Ulster Museum - Object Of The Month

Amethyst and Citrine Pansy Brooch

April

Amethyst and Citrine Pansy Brooch, c.1800

This little brooch is part of the large collection of jewellery which was donated to the Ulster Museum by Mrs Anne Hull Grundy.

The brooch is typical of the early 19th century interest in botany and naturalism. The increase in both travel and trade meant that semi-precious stones were more easily available, inspiring jewellers to create colourful and delicate pieces such as this. The amethyst and citrine flowerhead is set in a gold mount with engraved leaves and set with a central seed pearl.

Anne Hull Grundy was a jewellery and art historian with Northern Irish connections and had a passion for collecting jewellery from the age of 11 years. Among the pieces she donated to the Museum was an extensive range of Irish bog oak jewellery. The collection ranges from the 17th and 18th centuries to the early 20th century and many of the pieces can be seen in our outreach exhibition, Jewels Past and Present, on display in Newry Museum until 20 April.

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