Early 19th century diamond, ruby and turquoise St Esprit dove brooch, c.1830, the bird modelled in the classic form diving-to-earth,

Early 19th century diamond, ruby and turquoise St Esprit dove brooch, c.1830, the bird modelled in the classic form diving-to-earth,
Price: £20,000-£50,000
Ref No. 06392
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Description
viewed from above flying with wings outspread, head and neck pointing downward and suspending a leafy droplet in its beak, the body of the bird and upper wings set with cushion cut diamonds, the lower wing feathers and flaring tail with lines of turquoise and rubies, a ruby to the head and with an orange accent stone to each eye, probably a garnet, the foliate droplet with a principal cushion cut diamond below twin diamond set leaves, partially open set in silver and gold testing as 9ct, later French warranty mark.

The dove in this form is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (or Saint-Esprit), flying down to earth with a branch in its beak. As well as the Holy Spirit, it also suggests the dove which brought an olive leaf to Noah, signifying man's reconciliation with God after the Flood.

The use of a Saint-Esprit in jewellery was popularised in France and probably comes from the pendant of the chivalric Ordre du Saint-Esprit.
(Ref: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O117986/pendant-unknown/)
Wingspan 5.8cm / 2�''
Length droplet to tail 6cm / 2�''
Weight: 11g
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S.J. Phillips