Antique 14K Yellow Gold and Baroque Pearl and Diamond Eagle Safety Pin 1890s
The symbol of the eagle found prevalence throughout France in the 18th century thanks in large part to Napoleon’s appropriating of the Roman legions’ eagle standards as an emblem of pride for his Imperial guard. It was cast in bronze and stitched into flags. And even after the infamous French emperor’s downfall, it continued to have an air of honor about it. This is most likely what inspired the creator of this one-of-a-kind brooch to look at a bubbling baroque pearl and see the head of the world’s most regal winged creature.
Period: Late Victorian