Swallows were a popular motif in Victorian jewellery as they had a special meaning for fishermen and sailors.
Swallow brooches were often given to loved ones when they set out on a journey in a bid to keep them safe. It was a symbol of love and protection to help ensure their return.
The swallow also represents everlasting love, care, affection and loyalty towards family and friends. This connection to impressive personality traits occurs because swallows choose a mate to breed with for life, representing fidelity and steadfastness.
We will never know if this Victorian diamond-set swallow brooch, showing a bird in flight chasing an insect, was given as a gift to a loved one before a long journey, but it would have certainly have been treasured by someone.
The body is set with rose-cut diamonds and it has cabochon ruby eyes in silver settings with 9ct gold on the reverse. It enters our September 24 Fine Art and Jewellery Auction with an estimate of £400-£500. More entries are invited until August 28. To arrange a free jewellery or watch valuation, email head of jewellery Helen Smith: [email protected].
