Typical fifties bejeweled parrot brooch

This brooch is a typical product of the fifties, made in the tradition of the very high skilled jewellers of that time. Althought we couldn't find any hallmarks or signatures we think this beauty could have be made by a big jeweler's house like Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany's or Schlumberger

Antique jewelry object group: brooch

Country of origin: unknown

Style: Fifties (of the twentieth century)
See also: Fifties (of the twentieth century) or more info on styles

Style specifics: This type of jewelry is very specific for the fifties of the twenthieth century. All sorts of animals were used as source of inspiration for the goldsmiths. Made in gold and decorated with enamel and precious stones, the result of their labour most of the times well-made, clever and cute.

Period: ca. 1950
(events and facts in 1950)

Source of inspiration: Mother Nature

Theme: Parrots - Parrots have featured in human writings, story, art, humor, religion and music for thousands of years. From the Roman poet Ovid's "The Dead Parrot" to Monty Python's Dead Parrot Sketch millennia later, parrots have existed in the consciousness of many cultures. Recent books about parrots in human culture include Parrot Culture.

Since ancient times parrot feathers have been used in ceremonies, and for decoration. The "idea" of the parrot has been used to represent the human condition in medieval literature such as the bestiary. They also have a long history as pets.

In Polynesian legend as current in the Marquesas Islands, the hero Laka/Aka is mentioned as having undertaken a long and dangerous voyage to Aotona in what are now the Cook Islands, to obtain the highly prized feathers of a red parrot as gifts for his son and daughter. On the voyage a hundred out of his 140 rowers died of hunger on their way, but the survivors reached Aotona and captured enough parrots to fill 140 bags with their feathers. (By at least some versions, the feathers were plucked off living parrots without killing them.)

Parrots have also been considered sacred. The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped birds and often depicted parrots in their art. Parrots are also used as symbols of nations and nationalism. A parrot is found on the flag of Dominica. The St. Vincent parrot is the national bird of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a Caribbean nation.

Parrots are popular in Buddhist scripture and there are many writings about them. One old story tells how after a forest caught fire, the parrot was so concerned it carried water to try and put out the flames. The ruler of heaven was so moved upon seeing the parrot's act, that he sent rain to put out the fire. In Chinese Buddhist iconography, a parrot is sometimes depicted hovering on the upper right side Guan Yin clasping a pearl or prayer beads in its beak. (from: Wikipedia)

Material: platinum and 18K yellow and red gold
(more info on precious metals)

Diamonds: 63 single brilliant cut diamonds (also called 8/8) with a total estimated weight of approx. 1.80 crt.
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.

Precious stones: Three rubies
(more info on precious stones)

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

Hallmarks: No trace.
(more info on hallmarks)

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

Dimensions: height 4.25 cm (1.67 inch)

Weight: 15.20 gram (9.77 dwt)

Reference Nº: 10321-0001

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

See also our:
all brooches, jewelry with birds, tri-color jewelry, jewelry with diamond, jewelry with ruby, latest acquisitions,
antique jewelry, estate jewelry, vintage jewelry or modern jewelry

Jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
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August - September - October - November or December.


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