Proud Plumage - Victorian Turquoise Pearl Bird Brooch medal and the MET

and the MET

Rapturous textured intertwined links of braided gold are tipped with soft-hued rose gold polished ends

A bale of tapered gold resembles a feather

The color of J-K and clarity of SI2-3 still radiates beauty

Proud Plumage - Victorian Turquoise Pearl Bird Brooch medal and the METDuring the 1860s, the use of paveset turquoise and pearls adorned many a piece of jewelry. Whether in gold or silver as in this brooch, the combination of color, surface texture and form is still intriguing. A natural dog tooth freshwater pearl functions as the base from which this plucky bird appears to be singing or calling. Its head is upright, its beak apart as if voicing its distinctive and cheery notes. A garnet colored paste serves as its eye.