Vintage Italian 18kt Yellow Gold and Polychrome Enamel Birds on a Branch Brooch

ARTICLE: Brooch, 18kt yellow gold with polychrome enamel, modeled as two birds perched on a branch. Italian.

MOUNTING: Cast and hand finished in 18kt yellow gold. The two birds are modeled fully in the round, their breasts and the branch worked in a textured Florentine finish against polished gold, with the heads, wings, and tails covered in polychrome enamel. Reverse fitted with a straight pin and safety catch, and pierced through the bodies so the enamel is visible from behind. Measures 27 mm in length by 18.04 mm in height. Gross weight 10.87 grams. Marked 18Kt, Italy.

ENAMEL: Vitreous enamel applied in red, blue, green, and yellow, blended so that the colors run into one another across each bird rather than sitting in separate compartments. The effect shifts as the piece is turned and reads as iridescent under direct light. Each bird carries a set eye.

METAL CONTENT: At 18kt fineness the piece carries approximately 8.2 grams of pure gold.

CONDITION: Examined under magnification. Enamel intact across both birds with no chips, losses, or lifted edges observed. Gold surfaces show crisp texture with no significant wear to the Florentine finish. Pin straight and the safety catch engages and holds correctly.

REMARKS: Italian goldsmiths built a distinct tradition around figural enameled animals, and the qualities that separate the good work from the ordinary are all present here: the birds are modeled in the round rather than stamped flat, the gold is finished in two textures so that the polished branch and matte breasts read differently, and the enamel is blended across the form instead of being confined to outlined cells. Enamel of this age is also the first thing to fail on a piece like this, and finding both birds complete and unchipped is the condition worth paying attention to. The pierced backs are a further sign of considered work, since they serve no function beyond letting light behind the enamel.

CARE: Enamel is glass fused to metal and will chip if struck against a hard surface. Never clean in an ultrasonic machine or with steam, either of which can crack or lift enamel, and avoid abrupt temperature change. Clean with a soft dry cloth, or warm water and mild soap sparingly applied. Store separately from harder jewelry.

Weights and measurements stated are as taken on the piece.