RUBY AND DIAMOND BROOCH, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Designed as a sitting frog embellished with cushion-shaped, circular- and rose-cut diamonds to cabochon ruby eyes, one small diamond deficient, later pin fitting, accompanied by an associated detachable pin fitting.

Cf: Sotheby's Catalogue, 16th December 2004, Lot 77 for an example of a late 19th Century frog novelty brooch.

Mounted in silver and gold. Eyes medium (pinkish) red, well matched in size and colour, one with a small abraded chip, small scratches. Estimated total diamond weight approximately 7.00 - 9.00 carats, mixed colours and clarities, one small stone deficient. Later pin fitting and safety chain, solder to pin fitting, accompanied by an associated detachable pin fitting. In very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In the Victorian era many were very fond of wearing novelty jewels depicting all sorts of different creatures from serpents and salamanders to frogs, emblematic of wisdom, eternity and good luck.

The frog has several meanings through international folk lore.  Frogs are thought to be a strong good luck symbol and in many cultures a symbol of abundance, or fertility probably due to the very large number of eggs a frog lays at any one time.  The Celts believed frogs lorded the earth and that they represented healing powers due to the connection with water and cleansing rains.  In Rome, the frog was used as a mascot believed to bring good luck to the home.  It could also be symbolic of marital bliss.

Jewellery was worn in the traditional manner as an ornament, but could also be a representational as a love token such as the Regard ring, intimate eye portraits, or a jewel in memoriam.  Victorian jewellry could be as complex in its symbolism and sentiment as in its design.

A Jewel to the Victorian woman not only completed the well dressed lady's attire but also denoted her position in society, and could indicate her marital status.