Object Description
A wonderful late Victorian demantoid and diamond frog brooch/ pendant, circa 1890, the frog formed in silver on gold with gold feet and pavé set throughout with bright and lively old cut diamonds, the central panel down its back is set with beautifully vibrant green demantoid garnets, the eyes highlighted with rubies, all to a single pin brooch fitting on the reverse, the back of the head is fitted with a hinged drop down loop which can be folded out of sight when the piece is being worn as a brooch or lifted up and used as a pendant loop to allow the frog to be worn as a necklace. At almost 2” long, this characterful frog is bold in size and will make a wonderful statement piece pinned somewhere he can be widely admired. The piece is beautifully made with great attention to detail such as the outer edges of the metal which have all been given a textured finish to imitate the amphibians skin. The ruby eyes pop with a rich deep red flash and if you look carefully, you can see it has a mouth which one feels could open any second ready to catch an unsuspecting insect for lunch.
Period
Late Victorian, circa 1890
Gemstones
30 x round, oval and cushion shape old cut demantoid garnets estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 4 cts
146 x old cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 7cts
2 x ruby eyes
Setting
Gold and silver
Weight
28 grams
Dimensions
5cm / 1.9″ long and 5cm / 1.9″ across at widest point (toe to toe) the body 2cm / 0.78″ wide
Condition
Very fine