Showing posts with label peacock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peacock. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Struttin' Your Stuff - Vintage Peacock Brooch


Such a magnificent piece! This huge vintage peacock brooch has plenty of reason to strut! The craftsmanship is so beautiful. It has rubies and emeralds set over the entire piece. Even on the peacock's lower body. I am still researching this piece...so the jury is still out as to the metal content and exact age. I do believe that it is Middle Eastern in origin.



Notice the granular work that covers the entire front of the brooch.


You can see that the stones are open backed and really catch the light.


There is a hook on the back as well as a pin. So this can be worn as a pendant or a brooch.


The pin stem does extend past the actual brooch itself. This normally is an indication of age, but in this case I cannot say for sure. The nature of the construction could be a technique specific to a certain region.



Just a lovely piece that I wanted to share with you. I am really enjoying the research aspect of this piece and hope to bring you an update soon. Thanks for stopping by!


Happy Collecting!



For more antique and vintage jewelry, please visit my shop.





Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Those Tiny Victorians - Antique Victorian Peacock Bracelet

I so wanted to wear this bracelet! I have tried everything and to no avail. It just does not fit. This antique Victorian bracelet was made for an extremely small wrist! Even my super thin friends have tried it on and it is too small. It is like looking for Cinderella! Surely there is a wrist in the kingdom that could wear this beautiful bracelet. :) Could a piece this elaborate have been made for a child or perhaps a teenager? Or were Victorian women just really tiny?

The peacock symbolized resurrection, beauty of the soul, and immortality. It was often used in Victorian mourning jewelry. I have been collecting antique Victorian peacock jewelry for years now. This is from my collection. This bracelet dates to C1875 - C1880. Made of a rolled gold with gold and silver applied designs. There are beautiful engraved details on the front panel. Look at those sweet little birds.

It has a place for a safety chain, but the hardware for this chain is missing. Long gone. The shape of the bracelet is a little off kilter.

Look at all of that detailed applied granular and wire work. All done in the Etruscan revival style that was so popular during this era.

The back of the bracelet. You can see that it has a slightly pink tint...and lots of wear to the finish.

I think that a wrist reduction is out of the question for me...So you may see this beautiful bracelet listed in my shop sometime in the near future.

I hope that you have enjoyed seeing this bracelet.


Happy Collecting!


To see more antique and vintage jewelry, visit my shop.

Wicked Darling