Antique Brooch with Pearls, Diamonds & Rubies, Russia c. 1880

The dove is an animal with rich symbolism: in ancient times, the white dove was associated with Aphrodite or Venus, the goddess of love, and even today we associate turtledoves with romantic content. In Christian cultures, the dove with an olive branch in its beak is also a symbol of peace and hope, as in the Book of Genesis a dove sent out by Noah returns to the ark and the branch in its beak indicates that land and thus a new beginning are not far away. It is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This latter meaning is reflected in the jewellery in the so-called "St. Esprit" pieces of jewelry - mostly pendants, but sometimes also brooches in the shape of a dove in flight. These pieces of jewelry first emerged in rural France in the 18th century. As time progressed, however, the motif spread to other countries and social classes, so that we also find lavishly decorated examples in 19th century jewellery. This brooch is a precious interpretation of the motif and was made in Minsk in the Russian Empire, as a hallmark on the pin reveals. The dove's body consists of a large, baroque natural pearl, while its wings, tail and head are set with shimmering diamond roses. Small natural rubies add color accents. The dove is surrounded by a frame of diamonds and pearls. The hallmarks, the diamond cuts, the design and details such as the fine "knife wires" allow us to date the design to around 1880.

Estimate:£2,794.62

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