Antique Victorian brooch gold silver pearl diamonds French Dove of Peace (7367)

Antique Victorian brooch pin. 18k gold, silver, natural mabe pearl, diamonds and ruby. Made in France, late 19th century.
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.

Measurements: Weight is 12.3 grams. Length approximately 1 1/2 inches (3.8cm). 1.33ct diamonds.

Description : Preceding other famous Dove brooches by almost a century, this wonderful bird is naturalistically modelled utilising a natural mabe pearl. The use of pearls (usually Baroque shaped) to form figural jewelry was popular during the Renaissance period. The pearl with additional features - wings and 3-dimentional fan tail as well as the head, all pave set with diamonds, set in silver. It was the custom to set diamonds in silver, laid over gold to show them off to better effect in candle light. The feet and beak are entirely modelled in gold. Eye is a gold enclosed ruby.
Exquisitely made, the theme of the Dove of Peace could not be more apt in our world.
Unisex - suitable to be worn by a man or a woman - of any age. Not only very beautiful, but with a beautiful message.

Marks and Metal: Gold has French hallmarks for 18k gold (owl) on the side, below the beak as well as a partial owl mark on the pin. Our appraiser tested it as slightly less, so we will go with 14k to be conservative.

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