"Antique jewelry object group: brooch Condition: excellent condition Country of origin: France Style: Victorian - 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. Style specifics: The Victorian period can roughly be divided into 3 distinct periods; the Romantic (1837 - 1860), Grand (1861 - 1885), and Late or Aesthetic Period (1880 - 1901). We consider this to be of the Late or Aesthetic Period. The jewelry of the late Victorian period once again returned to romanticism with more delicate and whimsical motifs such as stars, crescent moons, reptiles and insects. The discovery of the diamond mines in South Africa led to the use of mine, rose and cushion cut diamond stones. Period: ca. 1880 Source of inspiration: Mother Nature Theme: Swallow - Swallows symbolize the incarnation of Christ, or also His resurrection because of their arrival in spring. There are nonetheless also regional differences regarding their meaning. Swallow nests can mean joy, marriages and children, while in Japan swallows symbolize infidelity because supposedly they change partners very often. Material: 18K yellow gold Diamonds: One old european cut diamond with an estimated weight of approx. 0.25 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. Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April. Hallmarks: The French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagles head that was in use in France from about 1838. Dimensions: width 4.28 cm (1.69 inch) Weight: 2.30 gram (1.48 dwt) Reference N: 10248-1004 Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry "