A charming and lively Victorian stickpin, c.1880, modelled as a duck set throughout with single-cut diamonds totalling an estimated 0.3 carats, with a pink sapphire for the eye — a detail of real wit and precision. The body is set in silver, the feet and beak in yellow gold, the two-metal construction giving the piece a naturalistic warmth and colour contrast that a single-metal approach could not achieve. The use of silver as a setting for diamonds was standard practice in the Victorian period, when platinum was not yet widely available — silver's cool tone complementing the brilliance of the stones far better than yellow gold. A piece full of character, and a fine example of the Victorian tradition of sporting and animal jewellery. Tests as 18ct gold and silver. Head 1.6 × 2.1cm.

The Details

• Circa: 1880
• Head dimensions: 1.6 × 2.1cm
• Estimated total diamond weight: 0.3 carats (single-cut)
• Eye: Pink sapphire
• Hallmarks: Tests as 18ct gold and silver
• Materials: 18ct yellow gold, silver, single-cut diamonds, pink sapphire