Antique Imperial Russian Brooch Pearl Diamonds ruby gold silver hen chick (7405)

Antique late Victorian / Edwardian brooch. 14k gold, silver, rose cut diamonds, enamel, tiny rubies. Made in Imperial Russia (well before the revolution), prior to 1908. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.

Measurements: Weight is 5.9 grams. 1 3/8 inch (3.5cm) long.

Description : A charming late Victorian to Edwardian brooch depicting a cock and chicken standing on a pave-diamond-set bar. The bodies of the birds composed of blister pearls; tails, wings, head and feet are all set with rose cut diamonds. The head of the cock with comb and wattle in red enamel. Tiny eyes are tiny rubies. Birds are seen in profile, standing face to face. The chick with raised, open wings. The cock with his beautiful red enamel details and cascading diamond tail.
Mounted in gold, but diamonds, as was the custom at the time, are set in silver.
Besides the obvious fabulous workmanship and setting of the diamonds, we see the quality of this brooch when we turn it over and look at the back. Entirely made of gold, it has wonderful engraved detail. Such lavish care of the back is rare and only to be found in the most exclusive and valuable jewelry.

Marks and Metal: There are at least two marks on the pin. One is a 56 with a head facing left - mark used for 14k gold up to 1908. The other mark is not legible as the area it is stamped on is too small to hold the entire mark. For the same reason, marks that appear to have been stamped on the 'c' of the clasp are not legible.

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

THE STORY: during the late Imperial Russian era, jewelry was made for the Royal elite and wealthiest Russian and foreign nobles. The ultimate in luxurious quality was considered Faberge and to this day, Russian workmanship of the period is unrivalled. Many of the workmasters in Russia who produced jewelry for Faberge also worked for themselves and without the Faberge maker's mark, we don't always know who made the item. What we do know is that the quality is the best.
This cute, novelty brooch might have been a gift from the Czar or other noble. Was there a message in the subject of chickens? What was the symbolism to society and the individual? We might never know, but we can guess and we can wonder.