Victorian Swallow Brooch

A wonderful brooch of a swallow in flight.  The piece is beautifully modeled with richly detailed feathers and wings and a red gemstone (possibly ruby or garnet) set as the eye.  Among the Victorians swallows were a symbol of a traveler returning safely home.  Aptly, swallows were often the first birds seen by ships returning to port.  Created by Riker Bros. in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

The brooch is beautifully crafted.  The sturdy pin stem is secured with a transitional "C" clasp circa 1900.  A chatelaine hook allows a watch or other pendant to be suspended beneath the brooch.  Part of the beauty of Victorian jewels is the care with which they were designed and crafted.

This brooch was created by Riker Bros., a maker of distinctive cufflinks, brooches and other jewels during the early 1900s.  The firm's mark, an "R" above a scimitar, is found on the reverse of the upper wing.  The wing and clasp are also stamped "14K" for the purity of the gold.

Name:  Fly Away

Cost:  Although this beautiful brooch has sold,  you will find many more fine brooches in the Antique Brooch Gallery.

Measurements:  This Victorian brooch is crafted in 14kt yellow gold and measures 1 1/2" wide by 1" tall.  It weighs 4.6 grams.