Circa 1860s this large Victorian Era brooch has been carefully made using the lost art of piqué work wherein small segments of gold and silver are inlaid into tortoiseshell. This style of work is no longer made, and rightly so. to protect our marine life from being hunted to extinction.
Piqué is believed to have originated in France and was introduced to England in the 1680s. Originally it was used for small, useful items such as snuff boxes, lorgnettes and cane heads. By the Nineteenth century piqué became very fashionable as jewellery, originally as combs and hairpieces and later as day-jewellery: earrings, pendants and brooches, predominantly.
This particular piqué tortoiseshell brooch is a small snapshot of a brief moment in jewellery history at the height of the fashion for piqué, and when it was still being made laboriously by hand. Swallows were especially significant for Victorians as a symbol of home, hope and homecoming. As swallows mate for life they also signified fidelity.
This extremely personable swallow is a fine friend. His friendly face and twinkling eye make him a wonderful companion. Being so light he is suitable to be worn on fine fabrics if desired.
Manufacture:
Made using the lost art of piqué in gold and silver inlaid into Hawksbill turtle shell. The eyes, wings and tail have been embellished with hand cut and engraved sheets of gold, inlaid into the thermoplastic tortoiseshell. Small silver accents are also present at the neck. The wings have raised tortoiseshell feathers. The body and head of the bird is slightly matte in finish as compared to the wings.
A section of cut and engraved silver is found at the thinnest section of the tail. Upon close examination I believe this may have been added later, possibly for reinforcement or as part of a repair. I don’t dare disturb it to find out!
The pin, hinge and clasp are made of brass and steel.
Very light for its size, this oversized swallow measures 72.75mm x 31.05mm x 7.85mm (not including the pin, hinge and clasp). Weighs 7.54 grams.
Condition:
In good antique condition, with a possible repair reinforced with silver. The price has been generously adjusted to account for this possibility. Ready for immediate wear.
Circa 1860s this large Victorian Era brooch has been carefully made using the lost art of piqué work. Very light for its size, this oversized swallow measures 72.75mm x 31.05mm x 7.85mm (not including the pin, hinge and clasp). Weighs 7.54 grams.
