Antique French stick lapel pin brooch gold tiger's eye diamond owl Unisex (7504)

Antique tie lapel or stick pin brooch.   18k gold, carved tiger's eye and tiny diamonds. Made in France, circa 1880's during the Victorian era.  
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman. 
 

Measurements:

Weight is 7 grams. A little over 3 1/4 inches (8.5cm) from end to end. 

Description : 

In the manner of Paul Robin. Long gold pin with a gold disk and attached carving of an owl's head. The owl is beautifully carved from tiger's eye and has tiny diamond eyes. As the pin is moved, the tiger's eye changes color and different patterns become apparent. Colors from golden yellow to brown and seemingly glow at some angles, while others recede into dark foresty brown.

Marks and Metal:

Horse head facing right and indistinct maker's mark on the pin. 
     

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.   

THE STORY:

Paul Robin learned about jewelry from his highly regarded jeweller father, who founded their company circa 1830. He studied carving in Paris from the master, Julienne, and specialised in carved owls. 
Owls have many and varied symbolisms, across almost every culture. Amongst other qualities, they epitomise wisdom and protection. During the late 19th century, Victorians, who we think of as staid and boring, in fact had wonderful senses of humour and made fabulous novelty toys and jewelry that were full of fun, symbolism and great topics of conversation. This lovely owl would be such a novelty - looks good, protects the wearer, imparts him or her with fun and gives everyone lots to talk about. It can be worn in a tie, cravat, hat, shirt or bodice. Makes the perfect gift for a him or a her.