A remarkable and wholly delightful Victorian pendant in 15ct gold, c.1880, modelled as a penguin in a top hat — the belly formed from a moonstone, the back from onyx, the eyes set with rubies, and the body worked with fine textured detail throughout. The combination of moonstone and onyx is inspired: the milky, adularescent glow of the moonstone for the white belly, the deep black of the onyx for the back, the two stones together creating a naturalistic rendering of the penguin's distinctive colouring that no amount of enamel could improve upon. The top hat is a touch of pure Victorian wit — the anthropomorphised animal in formal dress was a recurring conceit in the decorative arts of the period, and this example is among the most accomplished and charming we have encountered. At 11.9g and 3.2 × 1.5cm this is a pendant of considerable substance and three-dimensional presence. Fitted with a loop for wearing on a chain. Unhallmarked; tests as 15ct gold.

The Details

• Circa: 1880
• Weight: 11.9g
• Dimensions: approx. 3.2 × 1.5cm
• Hallmarks: Unhallmarked; tests as 15ct gold
• Belly: Moonstone
• Back: Onyx
• Eyes: Ruby