WM Link Egyptian Revival Brooch

A sterling silver brooch, or pin, of a lady's profile. This is an exceptionally made, designed and eye catching work of art. It is also of a size that is a real statement piece. Capturing everything that is exquisite of the Art Deco period's fascination of Egypt in fashion and form. It also comes in pristine condition. The fascination with Ancient Egypt has inspired jewellers for centuries, but the Egyptian Revival movement reached its greatest popularity during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Sparked by archaeological discoveries, expanding European travel, and a growing appreciation for ancient civilizations, designers began drawing upon the rich visual language of Egypt to create jewellery that felt both exotic and sophisticated. By the turn of the twentieth century, Egyptian-inspired motifs had become highly fashionable. Scarabs, lotus flowers, winged falcons, sphinxes, cobras, and the Eye of Horus appeared in brooches, pendants, bracelets, and rings, often rendered in gold, enamel, coloured gemstones, and carved hardstones. These ancient symbols were admired not only for their striking appearance but also for the meanings they carried. Scarabs represented rebirth and protection, lotus flowers symbolised creation and renewal, while falcons and other deities conveyed strength, wisdom, and divine power. The movement reached new heights following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter in 1922. News of the spectacular treasures captured the world’s imagination, igniting an international craze for Egyptian-inspired fashion, architecture, and jewellery. Leading houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron incorporated authentic Egyptian motifs into their collections, blending ancient symbolism with the bold geometric forms of the emerging Art Deco style. Today, Egyptian Revival jewellery remains highly collectible for its distinctive combination of history, symbolism, and artistry. Whether created before or after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, these pieces reflect an era when the mysteries of Ancient Egypt captivated the modern world, resulting in jewellery that continues to feel as striking and fashionable today as it did over a century ago. This stunning brooch was made by American jeweller W.M Link. Founded in Newark, New Jersey, in 1871, Wm. Link Co. was among the many talented jewellery manufacturers that helped establish the city as the centre of the American jewellery industry during the late nineteenth century. Producing sterling silver jewellery at a time when craftsmanship and hand finishing remained paramount, the firm became known for creating finely made pieces that reflected the changing tastes of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The company later operated as Link & Angell around 1900 before once again using the Wm. Link Co. name from 1910 until ceasing operations in 1915. The company’s jewellery embodies the quality and attention to detail that made Newark famous. During this period, the city’s workshops supplied retailers across the United States with everything from elegant brooches and lockets to cufflinks and decorative accessories. Sterling silver was prized for its versatility and affordability, allowing skilled makers such as Wm. Link Co. to create refined designs that appealed to a broad audience while maintaining exceptional standards of workmanship. Today, jewellery bearing the WM Link hallmark is appreciated not only for its craftsmanship but also for its place in the golden age of American silver manufacturing. Produced during a relatively brief period in the company’s history, these pieces represent an era when Newark stood alongside the world’s great jewellery-making centres, and when quality, artistry, and enduring design were at the heart of every creation. The silver brooch is fully signed WM Link on the reverse, with the year of 1902 copyrighted for the design of the pin. So, this is likely an earlier design that was produced once the company began operating under the Link name again. Made in America, circa 1910’s.