The world of nature was very popular as a motif in Victorian jewelry. The Victorians loved the outdoors, were quite sentimental about their pets and so wanted to show their appreciation of the animal world while adorning themselves. Aigrettes (hair ornaments) were designed to hold bird feathers and toward the end of the 19th century, often whole birds! Birds were created as pins and artfully engraved onto lockets and even rings. In Northern Europe, the fork-tailed swallow was a symbol of Spring and Love; in China it symbolized future success and fidelity. Having given that bit of history, one must be aware that designs and trends from one era follow earlier ones and this is no exception as this alluring avian was born in the middle of the 20th century. No wallflower here, it swoops in proudly with its diamond studded head and 14kt gold body, just waiting to find the right spot to land on your shoulder or lapel.

Condition: Excellent

Measurements: 2 1/2" by 3"

Gross Weight: 13.2 dwt (20.4 grams)

Circa: 1930-1940

This charming little bird is so realistic from the body and tail feathers to the three claws clinging to the branch; it looks as if it will take flight in an instant. The alertness in it's face is only high-lighted by the bright blue sapphire of the eye. Lovely and beautifully made; worn on a collar, as a clasp to keep a wrap dress closed or sitting on the shoulder, however it is worn, you will be sure to get comments and compliments. And you don't have to feed it; just keep it safe and warm!

Condition: Excellent

Measurements: 1/4" from the tip of the beak to tail; 3/4" from top of the head to the branch

Gross Weight: 5.9 dwt (9.2 grams)

Circa: 1960

A wonderful and unusual 8 pointed star pin; one of my personal favorites. The skill and talent of the jewelers at the turn of the century thrills and amazes me. This pin is a case in point as the 4 point diamond star can be turned to reveal a second color of enamel underneath!! Blue with slight tinges of green changes to a fiery red and orange. Each diamond arm contains 5 rose cut diamonds. The central point of the pin contains an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.20 carat. The base of the pin is a double tiered open work cage and the pin retains its original C clasp.

Condition: Excellent

Measurement: Just under 1"

Metal: Most likely 18kt but untested

Circa 1890.

The Buccellati family first began working in the jewelry trade in Italy in the mid-eighteen century. In 1919 Mario Buccellati took over an existing firm and renamed it 'Buccellati' and their fame grew quickly. In the following years, he gained a loyal following at home at abroad and was dubbed "The Prince of Goldsmiths". Buccellati became the first Italian jeweler with a location on Fifth Avenue, New York City in 1951. Every bit of the surface of a Buccellati piece is worked and finished, often then resembling a fine piece of fabric. According to the firm, their target is a "contemporary woman with class, who likes to live with style and wear jewels on every occasion with self-assurance." In 2000, special Buccellati objects and jewels were gathered for an exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum to celebrate the firm's art and creativity.

This brooch is designed as a textured squirrel with a circular-cut ruby eye and fluffy tail, climbing up a realistically textured sterling branch. Absolutely the most amazing workmanship in the detail of this piece. Signed: Buccellati

Condition: Excellent

Measurements: 2 2/3" by 1 1/4"

Gross Weight: 16.6dwt; 25.9 grams

Circa: Mid 20th Century

Bugs can be so much fun, especially when worn unexpectedly on a sleeve or sitting on top of your shoulder! This stunning 12kt yellow gold and platinum bug contains forty-seven (47) early rose cut diamonds, bead set in the head,body and wings. Diamonds are I/J color; I1 clarity. Also on the body are fifteen (15) early square cut rubies. Its thorax contains a cabochon ruby measuring 4.85mm. The eyes of the bug are round cabochon cut jet. All-over miligrain with pierced engraved wings. Hinged pin back.

Condition: Very Good

Metal: Platinum; 12kt yellow gold

Measurements: 1 1/2" by 1 1/2"

Gross Weight: 6.9 dwt; 10.8 grams Circa: 1930; most likely a replica of an 1880's English pin

What a fantastic little terrier! Made and signed by Cartier, this beauty is made of 18kt yellow gold, with a ruby eye and sports a collar which ends in the pin lock. Wonderfully made, signed and numbered on the rear leg. Aren't you just wishing you could take him for a jaunt around town?

Condition: Excellent

Measurements:

Metal: 18kt yellow gold

Circa: 1960

As soon as I saw this cheery and wonderful Seaman Schepps starfish brooch, I knew I had to have it! Bright faceted aquamarines reflect the light and highlight this amazing creature. Accented as well with 18kt white gold studs, this piece is sure to become a staple of your jewelry collection; one that you will go back to wearing again and again.

Condition: Very Good

Measurements: Just under 1 1/2" across

Gross Weight: 10.1 dwt (15.7 grams)

Circa: Mid 20th century

WOW! That is what I said when I first saw this and still feel that way. A fantastic 18kt rose gold flower brooch, originally most likely a pair of clips that appear to have been transformed into earrings.(See photo with addition of gold piece to cover the pins). 8 petals on the outer rim, surrounding 4 smaller petals all centering a .20 carat diamond. This single clip is the essence of the 1940s Retro style in jewelry and is just stunning.

Condition: Excellent

Circa: 1940

Measures: Just under 1 1/2" in diameter

Gross Weight: 11.1 dwt (17.3 grams)

A charming turtle brooch to wear on a lapel or ambling across your shoulder. This wonderful little creature has an articulated head which moves from side to side. Its shell is covered with little white pearls interspersed with bright and shining pave diamonds; the eyes are two sparkling blue sapphires. Its arms and legs are set en pavé with diamonds as well!! Wearing this will surely bring a smile to whomever is fortunate enough to become its temporary caretaker as this will be treasured for years and years.

Condition: Excellent

Measurement: 1 1/2" x 1 3/4"

Metal: 18kt

Gross Weight: 8.8 dwt (13.6 grams)

Circa: 1950; French in origin

Flights of fancy is what you'll be sure to experience every time you wear this charming antique pin. A bird in flight of 18kt yellow gold, this wonderful creature is so life like with its finely engraved feathers and wings edged with rose cut diamonds. One cabochon ruby eye. Very feminine, delicate yet wearable. Just over 2 1/2" in the wingspan; 1 1/4" from tip of the tail to the lower wing. 6.9 dwt (10.7 grams) Circa 1880 and most likely French in origin.

$900!!

PRICE REDUCED FROM $1,200

Tiffany & Co.'s take on the traditional circle pin, this time with maple leaves, each centering a full cut bright blue sapphire, 7 in total. The pin is Italian in origin; the leaves extremely life-like. 1 7/16" in diameter; 10.6 grams (6.8 dwt). Marked Tiffany. 18kt, Italy. Circa 1980. Condition is excellent.

$900!!

PRICE REDUCED FROM $1,300