Description

19/20th Century; Original 18K yellow gold with silver overlay antique bird brooch with articulating wings, a bead set diamond body, a bezel set ruby gemstone eye and prong set ruby gemstone collar, and a post set natural pearl dangle. The Brooch has a hinged pin with a (replaced) locking catch. Total Diamond Weight: 23.79 ct, Brooch Attributes: Weight: 56.30 gms, Design: Dove, Metal content: 18K yellow gold with silver overlay, Manufacturing: Hand constructed and assembled, Type of pin: Hinged with (replaced) locking catch, Length/Width: 58.0 / 110 mm, Setting: Bead, bezel set, Condition: Fair*, Hallmark: 18K, Trademark: None, Comments: This Antique bird with articulating (movable) wings likely dates to the later Victorian period *two diamonds are missing and the ring holding the pearl dangle is broken. Ruby (Corundum) Melee Attributes: Shape and cut: Round Faceted, Weight: 0.05 to 0.05 ct each, Number 11, Total Weight: 0.55 ct (estimated) Clarity: Type II, Moderately included, Transparency: Transparent, Color: Medium dark strong red, Cut: Good, Polish: Good, Brilliancy: Good – 50% to 70%, Comments On the collar and in the eye. Diamond Melee Attributes: Shape and cut: Rose cut, Weight: 0.005 to 0.005 ct each, Number of Diamonds: 23, Total Weight: 0.12 ct (estimated), Clarity: I2-I3, Color: K-L, Cut: Poor, Polish: Poor, Comments: On the pearl cap. Total should be 24 (one is missing); These stones are early rose/native cuts: Diamond Melee Attributes: Shape and cut: Rose cut, Weight: 0.011 to 0.02 ct each, Number of diamonds: 61, Total Weight: 0.92 ct (estimated), Clarity: I2-I3, Color: K-L, Cut: Poor, Polish: Poor, Comments: ON the head/body/wings; These stones are early rose/native cuts. Diamond Melee Attributes: Shape and cut: Rose cut, Weight: 0.02 to 0.17 ct each, Number of diamonds: 378, Total Weight: 22.75 ct (estimated), Clarity: I2-I3, Color: K-L, Cut: Poor, Polish: Poor, Comments: Should be 379 (one is missing); On the head/body/wings; Stones are early rose/native cuts. Natural** Pearl Attributes: Number: 1, Size: 11.6 x 10.8 mm, Shape: Semi-baroque/near drop, Color: Cream / w/ rose and green overtones, Luster: Very good, Surface: Moderately spotted, Nacre quality: Good, Matching: Not applicable, Comments: ** Pearl is most likely natural based on appearance and the age of the brooch but has not been verified by x-ray testing. Total diamond weight 23.79 ct. Total weight of brooch 56.3 grams. Please view photos.

Medium

18K Gold and Gemstones

Date

19/20th Century

Condition Report

Very Good

Exhibited

Currently Mebane Antique Gallery and available for preview

Literature

Victorian 18K gold swallow brooches, popular from the 1880s-1900s, symbolize love, fidelity, and safe return, often gifted to travelers or loved ones. These pieces typically feature diamonds and rubies on silver-topped gold, with the swallow's habit of returning to its nest embodying enduring commitment. Fox purchased this from a Maine auction house in 2017. The brooch descended from a Camden, ME family who collected Asian art and antiquities. 

Provenance

Estate Of The Late Nancy Jo Fox Of North Carolina

Notes

Available for live in house bidding and pay-pick up from our gallery, Always bid with confidence with Mebane Auction. Thank you Jon Lambert

Very Good

Available payment options

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