Antique Pendant-Brooch with Diamonds in Silver on Gold, c. 1875

"Beauty will save the world," wrote Fyodor Dostoyevsky. And as if to prove these words, a sparkling bird of exceptional beauty approaches in rapid flight. Finely sculpted and set with shimmering diamonds, it carries a peace-promising olive branch in its beak. This beautiful piece of jewellery was created in the last years of the 19th century as a luxurious accessory for ladies of the world who adorned themselves with diamonds at balls or the opera. For this purpose, it is fitted with a pin that allows it to be pinned to the neckline of the evening gown as a corsage ornament. A hidden hook also allows the piece to be worn as a pendant – whether on a wide ribbon or a fine chain. The design, the workmanship and, not least, the colour of the gold are evidence that this beautiful bird was created around 1875. Similar designs were published in 1875, 1878 and 1879 (see last illustration). They also oscillate between bird of paradise, swallow and dove of peace – beauty and splendor were obviously more important to the designer than ornithological accuracy. A wonderful piece that inspires many different ways of wearing!

Estimate:£4,193.38

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