Mythical Elegance: A Symbol of Power in Victorian Jewellery

This exquisite Victorian brooch, dating back to around 1890, is a stunning representation of mythological grandeur. Crafted in 14K yellow gold, it features two magnificently detailed griffons, each fiercely guarding a precious cabochon cut opal - their eggs. These fantastical creatures, with their lion heads and eagle hindquarters, are artistically entangled by their tails, symbolizing strength and protection. The brooch is a beautiful blend of late Victorian and early Art Nouveau styles, showcasing the era's fascination with mythology and natural forms. A versatile piece, it also includes a hook at the back for attaching a pendant or watch, adding functionality to its enchanting design.

As is typical for these fantastical creatures, two griffins take on a guarding posture with their hissing lion heads and clawed eagle hindquarters to protect the two cabochon cut opals in this 14K yellow gold Victorian brooch from 1890. Opposing each other and yet entangled by their tails, it's clear that these fighters will empower you during every challenge.

Antique jewelry object group: brooch

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: unknown

Style: Between Victorian and Art Nouveau - 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. Art Nouveau (French for New Style) is an international movement and style of art, architecture and applied ar - especially the decorative arts - that peaked in popularity at the turn of the 20th century (1890–1905).

The name "Art Nouveau" is French for "new art". It is also known as “Jugendstil”, German for "youth style", named after the magazine Jugend, which promoted it, and in Italy, Stile Liberty from the department store in London, Liberty & Co., which popularised the style. A reaction to academic art of the 19th century, it is characterized by organic, especially floral and other plant-inspired motifs, as well as highly stylized, flowing curvilinear forms.

Art Nouveau is an approach to design according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture, making art part of everyday life.
  -  See also: late-Victorian, early Art Nouveau, eclecticism or more info on styles

Style specifics: Late Victorian / early Art Nouveau - The subject of this piece, although typical 19th Century, announces the coming of the Art Nouveau style.

Period: ca. 1890
  -  (events and facts in 1890)

Source of inspiration: Mythology

Theme: Two griffins, back to back, each garding their egg. 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 heraldy, representing strength and vigilance.

Material: 14K yellow gold
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Extra information: At the back there is a big hook on which a pendant, watch or end of long chain can be attached to.

Precious stones: Two cabochon cut opals
  -  (more info on precious stones)

Birthstones: Opal is the birthstone (or month stone) for October.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: remains of a 14K mark
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: width 3,25 cm (1,28 inch)

Weight: 5,50 gram (5,50 dwt)

Reference Nº: 12284-0019

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

See also our:
griffin jewelry, mythological jewelry, yellow gold jewelry, jewelry with opal, latest acquisitions,
antique jewelry, estate jewelry, vintage jewelry or modern jewelry

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