Antique Lizard Brooch Demantoid Garnet 18k Gold Enamel Ruby Unisex (6879)

Antique / vintage lizard brooch. 18k yellow gold, demantoid garnets, enamel and rubies. Made early 1900's. See below for origin. 

 

Measurements: Weight is 13.33 grams. Length approximately 2 7/8 inches (a little over 7cm). 2.80ct demantoid garnets.

 

Description : Naturalistically modelled lizard or salamander. Modelled and finely engraved detail to gold feet and tip of tail. The rest of the body and head with a trellis of dark enamel, each cell or scale enclosing a bright green demantoid garnet. Eyes are rubies and forked tongue with red enamel edges.

 

Sinuous curves are typical of the trend in design of the Art Nouveau taste and most lizards of this sort were made during the period 1890-1910, coinciding with the Nouveau and Edwardian periods. The use of demantoid garnets is also indicative of this period.

 

Original C-clasp. A safety chain with large gold safety pin not only adds to the security of the brooch, but indicates the value attributed to the lizard and adds an extra visual element.

 

Marks and Metal: Safety pin has two French owl hallmarks indicating 18k Gold of unknown origin. Pin has small hallmark that we do not recognise.

 

We bought the brooch in Paris and it has French hallmarks, but these do not indicate the origin of the jewel, which may be French, English or from another country.

 

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. No losses to enamel were found. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

 

Independent appraisal for $8500.00 available to new owner upon request.