DATE: Victorian, c.1880

Gorgeous antique Salamander brooch dating from the late Victorian era. It's set with a central row of demantoid garnets, surrounded by pearls and ruby eyes. The detail and craftsmanship are exquisite - with webbed feet, half open mouth, and stones resting in cut-down settings. Modelled in 15k gold throughout.

For centuries, the salamander has been a symbol of immortality and rebirth - much like the phoenix. It was thought to be able to withstand burning in flames, and so was perceived to be a magical creature - Pliny the Elder wrote of them: "A salamander is so cold that it puts out fire on contact." In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, the firemen wear a salamander on their coats and trucks, with obvious reference to the past mythology. They can also regrow their legs...

STONES 

Demantoid Garnets, Pearls, Rubies

MEASUREMENTS 

Length: 5.6cm

Width: 1.5cm

WEIGHT 

7.8g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 15k gold

CONDITION 

Excellent