A fine Victorian sporting stickpin in 18ct gold, modelled as a jockey's cap carved from deep red garnet, embellished with an old-cut diamond and gold rope detail. The jockey cap was one of the most popular subjects in Victorian racing jewellery — worn by owners, trainers, and enthusiasts of the turf as a mark of their connection to the sport — and the use of carved garnet to form the cap itself, rather than simply setting a stone within a gold mount, demonstrates a higher level of craftsmanship and ambition. The gold rope detail, likely representing the cap's trim or cockade, adds a further layer of refinement. At 3g and 8 × 9.5mm this is a compact and well-proportioned piece. Unhallmarked; tests as 18ct gold.

The Details

• Circa: Victorian
• Weight: 3g
• Head dimensions: 8 × 9.5mm
• Hallmarks: Unhallmarked; tests as 18ct gold
• Stone: Carved garnet (cap form)
• Detail: Old-cut diamond; gold rope trim