A dramatic and finely detailed Victorian stickpin in 18ct yellow gold, dating to circa 1860. The head is modelled as an eagle's talon clutching a cabochon garnet set with an old European cut diamond of approximately 0.25 carats at its centre — the engraving on the talon of exceptional quality, each scale rendered with precision and depth. At 1.4 × 2.8cm, this is a stickpin head of impressive scale that commands attention on a lapel, cravat, or tie.

The eagle talon is one of the great motifs of Victorian jewellery — powerful, heraldic, and unmistakably confident — and a garnet and diamond example of this size and engraving quality in 18ct gold is a particularly fine specimen of the form.

The Details

• Circa: 1860
• Metal: 18ct yellow gold
• Stones: Cabochon garnet with old European cut diamond centre, c.0.25ct
• Design: Eagle talon, hand-engraved
• Head Dimensions: 1.4 × 2.8cm
• Hallmarks: Tests as 18ct yellow gold