Victorian Diamond Duck Brooch in 18ct Yellow & White Gold

An 18ct yellow and white gold, diamond, and enamel duck brooch from the Victorian period. Portrayed in full flight, the body and wings of this male mallard duck have been richly set with sparkling old cut diamonds (0.76ct). The feet have been intricately depicted in warm yellow gold, with the head delicately enamelled in blue, green, yellow and red. Mallard ducks were shot for sport during the period, with shoots arranged and eagerly attended as part of the social calendar. This brooch would originally have been worn by an elegant lady attending the shoot day luncheon, and would have received many admiring glances and comments as it glittered in her lapel. The Victorian era marked a time dedicated to religion and love. Common motifs in the jewellery of the time were birds, flowers and trees: symbolisms drawn from nature.