Art nouveau medallion brooch black flower butterfly crystal silver 4.5cm magnetic

Art nouveau medallion brooch, an openwork scene in black, silver and crystal

This art nouveau brooch is built like a small miniature painting framed by a round 4.5cm pearl white rim and a fine inner silver double outline, in the spirit of a Lalique or Mucha pendant translated for a modern lapel. The framed scene is openwork rather than enamelled flat, so the silver tone background shows through the negative space and gives the piece depth. A large five petal black flower brooch motif sits at the top, with a crown of eight to nine clear rhinestones at the centre and a tiny pavé of rhinestones running along one petal. A faceted black crystal butterfly brooch motif with four wings rests in the lower right, like a small insect just landing on the bouquet. Two grey marbled cabochon leaves sit on the left, a small cluster of six to seven clear rhinestones at the top right reads as a second smaller bloom, and sinuous silver branches tie every element together with the flowing curves typical of art nouveau jewellery. Mode Tendance picked it for British wardrobes that love a Victorian inspired brooch on a dark velvet coat, a black silk evening dress or a charcoal tweed jacket.

• Pearl white rim and silver inner outline: 4.5cm round medallion with a polished frame and a fine inner double silver line
• Black enamel flower with rhinestone crown: five petal central flower with eight to nine clear rhinestones at the centre and a small pavé along one petal
• Faceted black crystal butterfly: four faceted wings in the lower right, like an insect landing on the bouquet
• Two grey marbled cabochon leaves on the left and a small cluster of six to seven clear rhinestones at the top right
• Sinuous silver branches in the art nouveau spirit tying every element together

A magnetic flower brooch that respects silk and velvet

The back of this magnetic brooches design hides a polished silver disc with a central magnet. The disc lies behind the fabric and clips to the magnet on the back of the medallion, holding the brooch flat without piercing a single fibre. This makes it safe for fine silk evening blouses, cashmere knits, dark velvet coat lapels, Liberty shirts and even canvas tote straps, the fabrics where a traditional pin clasp would leave a permanent hole on a couture evening dress or a delicate cashmere wrap.

Styling a Victorian inspired brooch in a British wardrobe

The black, silver, crystal and grey marbled palette is one of the most versatile in a smart British wardrobe, sitting beautifully on charcoal, ivory, dove grey and navy. Place it on a dark velvet coat lapel for an evening at the opera, on a black silk dress shoulder for a smart dinner, or on the strap of a structured tote for a Sunday afternoon at the National Gallery. For a layered art nouveau look, combine it with a more abstract piece from our flower brooches collection on the opposite lapel, mixing one openwork medallion with a single bold flower.

Materials and care for the openwork medallion

Technical specifications

Wipe with a soft dry cloth, avoid perfume sprays and creams and store flat with the magnet disc clipped to the back of the medallion to protect the openwork composition. Avoid wearing close to credit cards or mechanical watches.

Free UK delivery from GBP 50, shipped within 24 hours.