Charming Lapel Pin with Diamonds in Gold, c. 2000

"Now be thanked, my dear swan! Go back through the wide tide, from whence your barge bore me, Return to our happiness." With these words Lohengrin, the divine hero in Wagner's opera of the same name, steps before the audience for the first time. Drawn by a swan, he comes to the aid of the people of Brabant on a barque. On a boat, pulled by a swan? The swan has been a symbol of love since ancient times and is often depicted in connection with Cupid or Venus, the goddess of love. The great birds (quite unlike these two notoriously promiscuous gods) enter into lifelong monogamous relationships; they are also said to be able to feel love. Probably for this reason, the legend of the swan knight, a luxurious fighter for the good, has lived for centuries in the Lower Rhine region. Wagner was able to build on this in the conception of his opera. The lapel pin presented here, a fine work of 14-karat gold, was created in the years of the turn of the millennium and pays homage to the motif of the swan. The showpiece features one of the graceful waterfowl set entirely with diamonds. A red ruby forms the animal's eye. The pin found its way to us here in Berlin and is a beautiful piece of jewellery that conjures a cheerful focal point on the lapel to inspire conversation.

Estimate:£1,243.15

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