Antique, Sparkly Best Friend Ever!

The most adorable doggy And honestly one of the best crafted little dogs I have ever had the pleasure to find! Look at the fur: all those old cut diamonds set in silver. And look at his curves: he is not flat at all, but sculpted, which makes him feel alive. The collar dangles with a juicy cabochon emerald. And that ruby eye! The bail is cleverly placed behind the nose so it looks like she’s playing with a toy and won’t give in when he is fastened to a chain. Utter perfection! 
She is both brooch and pendant, but the pin does not fasten very well at the moment, so he is on his way to my jeweler to get it fixed. Please allow one extra week before shipping.
In the Victorian era, animal-themed jewelry was extremely popular because it carried emotional meaning. People chose animals as tiny portraits of loyalty, affection, and devotion, gifts that could symbolise friendship or romantic attachment. Each animal had its own message: dogs for loyalty and protection, birds for faithfulness, snakes for eternal love, cats for independence. Queen Victoria herself adored her dogs, which made dog motifs especially fashionable in England during the mid–late 1800s. Naturalistic little creatures crafted in gold and silver, with gemstone eyes and pavé diamond “fur”, were exactly the style of the time, not just decoration, but sentimental companions full of symbolism.
 
Likely English Victorian, circa 1870–1890
Approx. 30 × 33 mm
4.40 grams
9K yellow gold and silver
Lots of old cut diamonds
Emerald + ruby
Hallmarked
Great antique condition
 
All tariffs, custom duties and documents included. Worldwide.
 
PS: Most of the pieces I find have lived full lives long before finding their way to you — carrying with them patina, gentle wear, and the kind of character you can’t fake. Photos and videos are part of the description. Boxes, dogs and cats and other props are not included.