Victorian Swan Brooch
Exquisitely formed antique swan brooch decked with rose cut diamonds and a magnificent, semi-zoomorphic baroque pearl as its folded wing. It dates from the late Victorian period, circa 1880, crafted in 15 carat gold with silver settings and a ruby eye. The jeweller has utilised the different metal tones to great effect, particularly around the beak and eyes.
Mute swans (Cygnus olor) appear in Britain's fossil record as far back as 6000 years ago, in the post-glacial peat beds of East Anglia, and they've been found in Ireland and France from 13,000 years before present. Adults have a wingspan up to 2.4 metres, and males, known as cobs, can weigh up to 14.3kg making them one of the heaviest flying birds alive on Earth today. When taking off, they can run at speeds approaching 30mph, and can achieve around 55mph in flight.
The British Monarch retains the right to ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water, but King Charles III exercises his ownership only on certain stretches of the Thames and its surrounding tributaries. This ownership is shared with the Vintners' and Dyers' Companies, who were granted rights of ownership by the Crown in the 15th century.* Contrary to popular belief, a mute swan cannot break a human arm with its beating wings (although the birds are aggressively territorial).
*Source, Wikipedia
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Size: 3.2cm by 2.9cm
Stones: Baroque Pearl, Rose Cut Diamond, Ruby
Marks: None, tested as 15ct gold and silver
Condition: Great antique condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
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Resizing
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Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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alex@lostowl.jewelry