DATE: Victorian, c.1880

Supreme grace... a trait shared by both this brooch, and the swan it's modelled after. Beautifully crafted in silver and 15k gold, the body comprising a large white opal displaying excellent play of colour: a broad swathe of blue and green cuts through a predominantly red, orange, and pink background. With diamond-set head and tail feathers, ruby eyes, and gold beak. Although people often say it, it's categorically untrue that a swan could break your arm. Given they're light enough to fly, they simply lack the heft to strike such a devastating blow. It is true, however, that all unmarked mute swans in the UK are property of the crown.

STONES 

Natural White Opal - 9.5 carats (calculated)

Rose Cut Diamond

Ruby

MEASUREMENTS 

3.5 x 3.2cm

WEIGHT 

7.0g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 15k gold and silver

CONDITION 

Very good, opal displays some crazing (see pics)