Victorian Salamander

 15ct gold and turquoise Victorian salamander pendant c.1840.

Naturalistically modelled on the sinuous body with tiny ruby eyes and an arrowhead tongue, it’s back studded with a line of Persian turquoise.

Fully chased with a foliate decoration.

Formerly a brooch.

Salamander 4.5cm, 5.5 cms including gold bale.

5.3 grams.

Due to an ancient belief that the salamander could withstand fire without being harmed, the creature became a powerful symbol of an unquenchable flame of passion or a love that could survive any trial.

The Victorian fashion for jewellery inspired by the natural world became more eccentric in the second half of the c19th with a passion for all manner of exotic animals.