Figural
from the Antique Jewelry University
Figural jewelry are items - as brooches, rings and pendants - of figurative design, such as animals or persons. The style, which dates back to 16th century France and ancient Egypt, revived during the 1800's and has been in fashion well into the 20th century. Especially insect brooches were popular during the late Victorian era and the art nouveau designers often used sculptured women. The ballerina brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the many figural designs that became popular during the 1940's. Today the Spanish company Carrera y Carrera still creates jewelry with sculptured figures.