Large vintage Butler and Wilson (B&W) signed blackened silver tone and black French jet rhinestone ornate festoon 'stomacher' brooch

Large vintage black rhinestone and darkened silver tone ornate festoon stomacher brooch signed by iconic makers Butler and Wilson. This is a very Victorian to Edwardian revival style piece, probably made in the 1980s or thereabouts, and in a lovely large statement style. It has pave set jet black rhinestones set in japanned silver tone.

A stomacher brooch is a large, ornate piece of jewellery, often triangular, designed to fill the V-shaped opening at the front of a woman's formal gown bodice, extending from the chest to the waist; originating as embroidered panels, they evolved into elaborate jewelled ornaments (like diamonds and pearls) in the 18th and 19th centuries, worn to display wealth and status, sometimes detachable and convertible into other jewellery. 

This dramatic piece is signed on the reverse with the Butler and Wilson circular panel / plate. It is about 3 1/2 inches long and about 2 1/4 inches wide. The brooch is in very good vintage condition.