-England 1870 Neo Gothic Pendant With Griffin In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
A Victorian neo-gothic pendant Brooch with a winged Griffin.
Fabulous pendant-brooch, created in England during the Victorian era in the late 19th century, circa 1870. This piece was crafted in three dimensions with great details in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with textured finish. Designed with neo-gothic revival motifs in the shape of a mythological Griffin which is pierced by a sword in an allegorical allusion to Saint George killing the dragon. The animal is extremely well detailed and is represented with a dragon's head, a pair of eagle's wings and a twisted fish tail with scales. The degree of detail is masterful, the feathers are engraved imitating the real texture of the feathers and the half body with the fish tail is embellished with applications of greenish and reddish enamels which create the real pattern of the scales and accented with nine natural gemstones. It is fitted at the reverse with a hinged pin bar with a hook to wear as a brooch and a concealed ring to wear in a chain.
The Sword of St George
The Ascalon sword was the weapon St. George used to kill the dragon shown in many legends and stories. Because of the many different versions of the legend, the Ascalon can be seen as the spear that pierced the heart of the dragon, while the sword was used to end its life. In the legend, Saint George, a soldier venerated in Christianity defeats a dragon. The story goes that the dragon originally extorted tribute from villagers of Silene. When they ran out of livestock and trinkets for the dragon, they started giving up a human tribute once a year. This was acceptable to the villagers until a princess was chosen as the next offering. The saint thereupon rescues the princess and kills the dragon. The princess and Saint George led the dragon back to the city of Silene, where it terrified the population. Saint George offered to kill the dragon if they consented to become Christians and be baptized. Fifteen thousand men including the king of Silene converted to Christianity.
Diamonds: Mounted in a flush setting, with 7 calibrated European rose cut diamond, 0.23 carat, white colorless F color, VS/SI clarity.
Pearl: The sword is mount with 1 oval white pearl of 3.8 mm.
Ruby: The eye is mount in a bezel setting, with 1 round faceted cut red ruby of 0.01 carat.
Weight: 8.70 Grams, (5.58 Dwt).
Measurements: 36 mm by 30 mm (1.42 x 1.18 Inches).
Hallmarks: Engraved with inventory numbers 11335. Unmarked, electronically tested for 18 karats gold, (.750/.999 Au)..
Victorian Neo-Gothic
Gothic Revival is also referred to as Victorian Gothic or neo-Gothic, Is an architectural art movement that after a gradual build-up beginning in the second half of the 17th century became a widespread movement in the first half of the 19th century, mostly in England. Increasingly serious and learned admirers sought to revive medieval Gothic architecture, intending to complement or even supersede the neoclassical styles prevalent at the time. Gothic Revival draws upon features of medieval examples, including decorative patterns, finials, lancet windows, and hood molds. By the middle of the 19th century, Gothic Revival had become the preeminent architectural style in the Western world, only to begin to fall out of fashion in the 1880s and early 1890s
Collateral: This piece is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold or the enamel. The gemstones are secured in the settings. This brooch has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P030924MEOM/.2091
