Antique Victorian Diamond and Pearl Griffin Brooch in 18ct Yellow Gold

Antique jewellery object group: brooch

Condition: excellent condition

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: something between the Late-Victorian and Belle Epoque style – Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration.

Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament.
And the Belle √âpoque style (Belle √âpoque is French for “Beautiful Era”) was a period in European social history that began during the late 19th century and lasted until World War I. Occurring during the time of the French Third Republic and the German Empire, the “Belle √âpoque” was named in retrospect, when it began to be considered a “golden age” the major powers of Europe, new technologies improved lives and the commercial arts adapted Renaissance and eighteenth-century styles to modern forms. In the newly rich United States, emerging from the Panic of 1873, the comparable epoch was dubbed the Gilded Age. In the United Kingdom, this epoch overlaps the end of what is called the Victorian Era there and the period named theEdwardian Era.

Style specifics: Late Victorian / early Art Nouveau – The subject of this piece, although typical 19th Century, announces the coming of the Art Nouveau style.

Period: ca. 1890

Source of inspiration: Mythology

Theme: Griffin – The griffin, a strange and legendary creature, usually represented as being part eagle and part lion (and occasionally part serpent). As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. Griffins are normally known for guarding treasure. In antiquity, it was a symbol of divine power and a guardian of the divine. Most contemporary illustrations give the griffin forelegs like an eagle’s legs with talons, although in some older illustrations it has a lion’s forelimbs; it generally has a lion’s hindquarters. Its eagle’s head is conventionally given prominent ears; these are sometimes described as the lion’s ears,but are often elongated (more like a horse’s), and are sometimes feathered. The griffin motif is found in sculptures of the ancient Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, and Romans; in beast allegories of the early Christians; and in Gothic architecture of the late Middle Ages. The griffin remains common in heraldry, representing strength and vigilance.

Material: 18ct yellow gold

Diamond(s): Seven old brilliant-cut diamonds with an estimated weight of 0.20ct. (colour and clarity: G/J, si).
One rose cut diamond. We do not have the weight of this diamond which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.

– All diamond weights, colour grades and clarity are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Precious stones: One pearl

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and pearl for June.

Hallmarks: No trace.

Dimensions: 2,95 cm (1,16 inch) x 2,60 cm (1,02 inch)

Weight: 10,80 gram (6,94 dwt)