Antique Victorian terrier dog brooch pendant. Gold, silver, diamonds, garnets, enamel. Made in France, circa 1880-early 1900's.
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman. Versatile - has multiple usages.
Measurements:
Weight is 11.2 grams. Approximately 1 inch from head to collar, not including hanging bell. (2.8cm).
Description :
The cutest terrier dog with a shaggy coat all depicted in diamonds. Ears pointing up around his furry coat; small cabochon garnet eyes and a pink enamel tongue. He wears a golden collar with a little bell attached to it via loops, allowing the bell to swing independently. The nose and nostrils are beautifully modelled in yellow gold and they, like the collar and bell, contrast wonderfully with the silver and diamonds. Eyes largely hidden under his shaggy brows.
Like most Victorian jewelry, the diamonds are set in silver over gold. This was to show them off in candle or gas light. The gold protected the wearer's garments from silver tarnish.
The doggy is extremely versatile and could be worn in multiple ways. There is a mechanism that would have screwed off the elements at the back, allowing a hair clip to be used or even to have it sewn onto the dress or jacket of the wearer. As it is, there is a pin for wearing as a brooch and a hinged loop for wearing as a pendant. This loop folds flat when worn as a brooch.
The clasp is typical C of the Victorian era, but in addition, there is a gold, hinged v-shape catch behind the C.
Very well made, with great detail. Delightful, fun, great quality.
Marks and Metal:
There are a number of hallmarks, but most of them are fairly worn. The hinged loop has an owl mark (for 18k gold); there are a number of hallmarks on the C, but they are not clearly legible; there is a partical mark on the pin - appears to be the owl for 18k gold again. There is an engraved 1410, which is likely the inventory number of the maker/previous owner.
Condition:
Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Tiny missing bit of enamel on tongue, shown highly magnified in pictures. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
Dog jewelry has always been popular and the Victorian especially held their animals in very high regard. This breed must have been a huge favorite since we have seen a larger version of this dog, without collar. We also have a smaller version of the same breed, with the dog holding an enamel umbrella in its mouth.
This is a great brooch to wear as an adornment, a great topic of conversation and is guaranteed to attract attention from all viewers.
