A superb example of a large tortoiseshell round brooch inlaid with silver and gold, made circa 1880 when tortoiseshell was used a lot in jewellery. The shell was heated and the silver and gold pieces were pressed in to it. The result was a highly unusual piece of jewellery which was very fashionable. Queen Victoria had set a fashion for mourning pieces after Albert had died, and jet,black glass and tortoiseshell were commonly used. As the years passed the pieces became more ornate, with more detail in them such as this piece.