Elegant Victorian phoenix or griffin brooch with floral ornaments and rose cut diamonds

One of the reasons French antique jewelry is world-wide appreciated is the use of symbolism, giving the jewelry a deeper meaning. A nice example we show here. What we first thought to be a griffin turns out to be a phoenix, just based on the other symbol attributes in the brooch.

We recognize a circle (set with rose cut diamonds) with flames representing the Sun or Fire, symbols of creation and destruction. The phoenix has long been a symbol of rebirth, immortality, and renewal. The floral pattern breaking through the circle depicts the nest of aromatic branches and incense which the phoenix uses to set set himself in fire. From the ashes of that fire arises a new phoenix ...

This brooch could symbolize a transition from an old to a new era in one's life.

Antique jewelry object group: brooches

Country of origin: France

Style: late-Victorian early Art Nouveau
(more info on styles)

Style specifics: 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: 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: platinum and 18K yellow gold
(more info on precious metals)

Diamonds: 16 rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.
Note: All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April.
(more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: The French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838.
(more info on hallmarks)

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

Dimensions: Width approximately 3.54 cm (1.39 inch)

Weight: 16.10 gram (10.35 dwt)

Reference Nº: 09329-4330

See also our:
victorian jewelry, victorian brooches, art nouveau jewelry, art nouveau brooches, all brooches, griffin jewelry, mythological jewelry, jewelry with rose cut diamonds, jewelry with diamond, latest acquisitions,
antique jewelry, estate jewelry, vintage jewelry or modern jewelry

Jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
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