A Victorian tiepin: the white raven among antique jewels, circa 1900

For those in search of a white raven among antique jewels, this may be the one. Light in spirit yet finely made, this Victorian tiepin is modelled as a white raven perched upon a branch. Its body is set with almost 140 diamonds, with ruby eyes adding a vivid accent, while the combination of red gold and silver gives the piece both warmth and brightness. An engraved date, 1 Avril 1905, lends the piece an especially personal note. At the same time, such an inscription does not necessarily record the date of manufacture, and without it one might easily have placed the jewel several decades earlier.

Jewellery Type
tie pin/stickpin

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
unknown

Style
Victorian jewellery reflects a long nineteenth-century taste for ornament, variation, and historical revival, while also allowing room for lighter and more imaginative naturalistic designs.
See also: Victorian
more info on styles

Style specifics
We consider this jewel to date from the second half of the nineteenth century. Its lightness of design, nature-inspired motif, and sparkling diamond-set surface relate well to the more refined and imaginative side of Victorian jewellery, even if the engraved date of 1905 does not necessarily indicate the moment of manufacture.

Period
later 19th century
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
Mother Nature

Theme
white bird (raven?)

Material 18K
red goldgold and details in silver (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Diamonds
136 136 diamonds, including rose cuts and senailles , the latter being simplified rose cut diamonds. We do not have the combined weight, which is normal in the trade for rose cut diamonds and senailles.

- All diamonds, regardless of their size or shape, in our vintage and antique jewellery are verified as 100% natural by the IJGC laboratory.

Precious stones
Two rubies

It is a very common practice to treat gemstones to intensify their clarity or colour. The item in question has not been tested in this regard.

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and ruby for July.
more info on birthstones

Engraving
At the back of the branch on which the raven sits is engraved the date 1 Avril 1905, which does not necessarily indicate the date of manufacture.

Hallmarks
No trace.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
bird 1,88 cm (0,74 inch) x 1,20 cm (0,47 inch) and the total height of the complete pin 8,00 cm (3,15 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
3,60 gram (2,31 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
22283-0088

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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