French Mythical Majesty: Victorian Griffin Brooch

An exquisite late-Victorian combined brooch-pendant, circa 1890, in very good condition. Believed to be of French origin, this 18K yellow gold masterpiece features a remarkable Griffin motif—a symbol of divine power and protection. Adorned with one old European cut diamond (± 0.24ct) and a natural pearl, it captures the opulence of the era. Remnants of the French 18K gold control mark add historical charm. This piece exudes the essence of late-Victorian style, an era of eclectic revival and cross-cultural influences. A true treasure steeped in mythology.

Antique jewelry object group
combined brooch-pendant

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of French origin.

Style
Late-Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration.

Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
See also: late-Victorian
more info on styles

Style specifics
- Medaillist Revival (in the The Belle Époque towards Art Nouveau) In 1886 Emile Olive (1853-1902) launched the medal-jewel with Vernier's Diane which resulted in the revival of medaillist's art in France.

Period
ca. 1890
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
Mythology

Theme
Griffin - The griffin, a strange and legendary creature, usually represented as being part eagle and part lion (and occasionally part serpent). As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. Griffins are normally known for guarding treasure. In antiquity it was a symbol of divine power and a guardian of the divine. Most contemporary illustrations give the griffin forelegs like an eagle's legs with talons, although in some older illustrations it has a lion's forelimbs; it generally has a lion's hindquarters. Its eagle's head is conventionally given prominent ears; these are sometimes described as the lion's ears, but are often elongated (more like a horse's), and are sometimes feathered. The griffin motif is found in sculpture of the ancient Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, and Romans; in beast allegories of the early Christians; and in Gothic architecture of the late Middle Ages. The griffin remains common in heraldry, representing strength and vigilance.

Material
18K yellow gold (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Diamonds
One old European cut diamond with an estimated weight of ± 0.24ct colour and clarity H/J, vs/si

All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.
All diamonds we offer are screened by the I.J.G.C. for whether they are natural or synthetic, and all diamonds in this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural.

Precious stones
One natural pearl

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and pearl for June.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
Remains of what we think is the French control mark for 18K gold representing a horse's head that was in use in France from about 1838.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
width 6,82 cm (2,69 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
30,70 gram (19,74 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
22152-0267

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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