Dive into the Summer Trend: Butterfly Brooches Take Flight

This summer, the fashion scene is fluttering with the glamorous return of butterfly brooches. Whether pinned to a breezy linen blazer, adorning a casual tee, or elevating evening wear, these timeless accessories are back in full force—bringing an air of vintage elegance and whimsical charm to every outfit.

At the heart of Lippa’s estate collection lies a show-stopping Victorian butterfly brooch, crafted in luxurious 18‑karat yellow gold with exquisite opals and a brilliant “en tremblant” movement:

• En Tremblant Engineering – “En Tremblant” is French for “to tremble”—a technique popular in 18th–19th century jewelry that gives movement to pieces via tiny springs or wires. Lippa’s brooch features all four wings that gently flutter, bringing the butterfly to life with every motion.
• Opals in a Kaleidoscope of Color – Each of the upper wings is set with 16 unique opals, and the lower wings with 7, totaling 48 vibrant stones. Two larger opals form the striking butterfly body. The symmetrical wing design highlights the individuality of each opal—an enchanting interplay of shape, hue, and light lippas.com.
• Impressive Scale & Luxurious Craftsmanship – Measuring approximately 1¾″ tall × 2⅛″ wide, this piece has presence. Crafted in 18K yellow gold and in very good Victorian condition, it’s a testament to both artistry and durability .
• Why It Matters – This brooch captivates with its dynamic motion and jewel-tone brilliance. The movement reflects candlelight—or today’s summer sun—creating a dance of color and life. It’s wearable art that evokes nostalgia while making a bold statement.

• Historic Significance – As a Victorian-era work, it brings over a century of heritage and style.
• Visual & Mechanical Delight – The “trembler” movement is a rare and arresting feature in modern jewelry.
• Opal Mastery – The 48 opals’ color spectrum ensures unmatched sparkle and individuality.
• Luxury & Craftsmanship – Etched in high-karat gold and reasonably sized, it’s a luxurious yet wearable heirloom.

Style It Your Way

• Casual Chic: Pin on a soft white linen shirt or denim jacket for a modern-bohemian flair.
• Elevated Elegance: Attach to a summer dress or evening wrap—let the fluttering wings catch the light and attention.
• Layered Impact: Pair with other vintage brooches in metallic tones for a curated, personal collection vibe.

This exquisite butterfly brooch by J.E. Caldwell is a masterwork of Art Deco jewelry design, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and luxurious materials.

The piece is made in platinum and features a striking combination of opals, emeralds, diamonds, and black enamel. The wings are adorned with luminous white opals at the top and fiery black opals at the bottom, their vivid play-of-color adding movement and life to the design. Accents of rich black enamel provide bold contrast and outline the wing segments, enhancing the sculptural detail.

The body of the butterfly sparkles with a central kite shaped diamond accented by smaller round and baguette cut diamonds. The wings are framed with brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds that catch and reflect the light with every angle. Subtle touches of green emeralds on the outer edges complete the palette, adding a fresh burst of color. This brooch is a stunning example of J.E. Caldwell’s legacy of elegance, innovation, and opulent beauty.