Opal and Diamond Brooch

Peacock feathers have maintained their fascination throughout history. Beyond their striking beauty and the immediate allure of their vivid colours, they carry rich symbolic meanings that vary across cultures. In ancient Greece, the peacock was sacred to the goddess Hera, who was said to have set “one hundred eyes” in its tail feathers, granting her omniscience and wisdom. In more recent times, peacocks have come to symbolize pride, glory, and nobility, making it unsurprising that these majestic birds often grace royal gardens and parks around the world, where multiple peacocks strut and display their resplendent plumage in synchronized courtship dances. By the late 19th century, a fascination with the exotic and unusual sparked a revival of the peacock motif, whether depicted as the full fanned tail or a single plume. This fascination naturally extended into the world of jewellery, inspiring intricate designs as seen in this opal brooch.