Vintage Majesty: The Mythical Griffin Pearl Brooch

Embracing the enchantment of vintage artistry, this French Victorian brooch, dating to circa 1890, is a masterpiece of design and imagination. Expertly fashioned in 18K yellow gold, it features a gracefully soaring griffin, symbolising strength and protection, holding a lustrous pearl in its beak. This exquisite piece, reflecting the Aesthetic Movement's fascination with mythical themes, stands as a testament to the era's creative brilliance, offering a timeless celebration of vintage jewellery at its finest.

Antique jewelry object group
Vintage Majesty: The Mythical Griffin Pearl Brooch

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
France

Style
Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
See also: Victorian
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Style specifics
The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837-1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period.

Jewelry of this period is changing back from heavy to more smaller, romantic pieces with often whimsical motifs. Jewelers using diamonds and bright gemstones in elaborated and fine feminine pieces.

Period
ca. 1890
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
Mythology

Theme
Griffin - In tales griffins are said to build a nest, like an eagle but of gold and instead of eggs it lays agates. The animal was supposed to watch over hidden treasures. Perhaps that's why in jewellery they are often executed with a diamond or pearl in their beak.

Material
18K yellow gold (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Precious stones
One natural pearl

Birthstones
Pearl is the birthstone (or month stone) for June.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
The French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
width 4,11 cm (1,62 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
4,80 gram (3,09 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
22283-0143

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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