"Antique jewelry object group: brooch Condition: excellent condition Country of origin: unknown Style: Between Victorian and Art Nouveau - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era. Art Nouveau (French for New Style) is an international movement and style of art, architecture and applied ar - especially the decorative arts - that peaked in popularity at the turn of the 20th century (1890–1905). The name ""Art Nouveau"" is French for ""new art"". It is also known as “Jugendstil”, German for ""youth style"", named after the magazine Jugend, which promoted it, and in Italy, Stile Liberty from the department store in London, Liberty & Co., which popularised the style. A reaction to academic art of the 19th century, it is characterized by organic, especially floral and other plant-inspired motifs, as well as highly stylized, flowing curvilinear forms. Art Nouveau is an approach to design according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture, making art part of everyday life. Style specifics: Late Victorian / early Art Nouveau - The subject of this piece, although typical 19th Century, announces the coming of the Art Nouveau style. Period: ca. 1890 Source of inspiration: Mythology Theme: Two griffins, back to back, each garding their egg. 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 eagles legs with talons, although in some older illustrations it has a lions forelimbs; it generally has a lions hindquarters. Its eagles head is conventionally given prominent ears; these are sometimes described as the lions ears, but are often elongated (more like a horses), 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: 14K yellow gold Extra information: At the back there is a big hook on which a pendant, watch or end of long chain can be attached to. Precious stones: Two cabochon cut opals Birthstones: Opal is the birthstone (or month stone) for October. Hallmarks: remains of a 14K mark Dimensions: width 3,25 cm (1,28 inch) Weight: 5,50 gram (5,50 dwt) Reference N: 12284-0019 Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry "