A late Victorian carving of a Pekingese dog is worked in striped tiger’s eye with small garnet cabochon eyes. In the nineteenth century, toy breeds like the Pekingese were closely associated with privilege. They were imported from China in tiny numbers, kept by fashionable women, and acted as visible markers of refinement. Jewelry featuring specific lapdog breeds was part of that culture, usually worn as stickpins or small charms that signaled social standing. The natural bands in the stone give the dog's face warmth and depth.
This one began life as a stickpin. We’ve converted it into a pendant so the carving can be worn daily. and the new 14k chain makes it feel substantial without being heavy.
MATERIALS: 14k gold, tiger's eye, 2 1.5mm garnet cabochons, new 14k gold chain
AGE: c. 1880
CONDITION: Very good - we've converted this piece from a stickpin into a pendant
SIZE: 7/8" length including the bale, 3/4" width, 18" chain