Victorian Pearl & Demantoid Garnet Salamander Brooch
Victorian Pearl & Demantoid Garnet Salamander Brooch
$1,850.00
Description
DATE: Victorian, c.1880
Gorgeous antique Salamander brooch dating from the late Victorian era. It's set with a central row of demantoid garnets, surrounded by pearls and ruby eyes. The detail and craftsmanship are exquisite - with webbed feet, half open mouth, and stones resting in cut-down settings. Modelled in 15k gold throughout.
For centuries, the salamander has been a symbol of immortality and rebirth - much like the phoenix. It was thought to be able to withstand burning in flames, and so was perceived to be a magical creature - Pliny the Elder wrote of them: "A salamander is so cold that it puts out fire on contact." In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, the firemen wear a salamander on their coats and trucks, with obvious reference to the past mythology. They can also regrow their legs...
STONES
Demantoid Garnets, Pearls, Rubies
MEASUREMENTS
Length: 5.6cm
Width: 1.5cm
WEIGHT
7.8g
MARKS
No marks present, tests as 15k gold
CONDITION
Excellent
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