A wonderfully characterful vintage piece, circa 1950, in the form of a British Bulldog rendered in 9ct gold — set with an estimated 1.1 carats of diamonds across the body and a ruby eye that gives the dog its distinctive, imperious expression. The bulldog is mounted on a nappy pin — a long, elegant safety-pin format, 8.6cm in length, that was a popular vehicle for novelty and figural jewellery in the mid-20th century, worn pinned to a lapel, a tie, or a cravat. The British Bulldog as a motif carries obvious patriotic associations, and pieces of this kind were particularly popular in the post-war period as expressions of British pride and good humour.

At 6.5g in 9ct gold with over a carat of diamonds, this is a piece of genuine quality and considerable personality. A compelling gift for the Anglophile, the dog lover, or the collector of British novelty jewellery.

The Details

• Circa: 1950
• Metal: 9ct gold (tests as 9ct)
• Diamonds: Est. 1.1cts
• Eye: Ruby
• Weight: 6.5g
• Dimensions: 8.6 × 1.8cm