DATE: Victorian, c.1880

A pair of sterling silver salamander brooches dating from the latter half of the 19th century. They're each studded with green and white paste gemstones, the larger amphibian featuring red paste eyes, and the smaller ruby cabochon eyes. 

For centuries, the salamander has been a symbol of immortality and rebirth - much like the phoenix. It was thought to be able to withstand burning in flames, and so was perceived to be a magical creature - Pliny the Elder wrote of them: "A salamander is so cold that it puts out fire on contact." In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, the firemen wear a salamander on their coats and trucks, with obvious reference to this past mythology. They can also regrow their legs...

STONES 

Green & White Paste Gemstones

MEASUREMENTS 

Larger: 6.8 x 3.0cm

Smaller: 5.3 x 1.5cm

WEIGHT 

Larger: 10.4g

Smaller: 11.7g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as sterling silver

CONDITION 

Smaller: Excellent, with fine antique patina

Larger: Good, end of tail missing and one small white paste missing