DATE: Victorian, c.1890

 A superb antique Salamander brooch, studded with rose cut diamonds and ruby-set eyes. It's beautifully made, with French gold marks and featuring fine textured metalwork to the silver settings.

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

Rose cut Diamonds & Rubies

MEASUREMENTS

5.3 x 2.0cm

WEIGHT

7.9g

MARKS

French hallmarks for 18k gold

CONDITION

Excellent