A charming and finely made Edwardian stickpin in 14ct yellow gold, c.1900, modelled as a three-dimensional pug with ruby eyes. Animal stickpins were among the most fashionable accessories of the Edwardian period, worn by gentlemen and ladies alike as expressions of personality and sporting interest — and the pug, long a favourite of royalty and the aristocracy, was a particularly popular subject. The modelling here is accomplished, the pug's characteristic wrinkled face and compact form captured with warmth and precision at a remarkably small scale. The ruby eyes add a flash of colour and life. At 1.4 × 1.6cm and 2.4g it is a piece of considerable quality for its size. Hallmarked 14K.

The Details

• Circa: 1900
• Weight: 2.4g
• Dimensions: 1.4 × 1.6cm
• Hallmarks: 14K
• Materials: 14ct yellow gold, ruby