Fish

Fine vintage gold articulated fish pendant with pink gem set eyes The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm. This wonderful example is made in yellow gold, and has beautiful engraved details all over, even sweet little eyelashes. He has a very cute face with puffy fish lips, which are set with a gold loop and an oval jump ring. He has pretty eyes set with round cut pink gems, likely synthetic rubies. He measures 42mm including jump ring. He is not the most wiggly articulated fish we have seen and we don't recommend being rough with him, or forcing his body to bend. But he is a beautiful size, and will make a lovely addition to any jewellery collection. Hallmarked: no Indistinct marks to oval jump ring, likely foreign Tested as gold of at least 9ct Gross weight: 1.9g Condition: little dent under chin; little hole in body (see photo #5); overall good

Vintage 14ct gold articulated fish with red eyes The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a European jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm. This buttery yellow gold example has a wonderful fluidity of movement, with striking barracuda-like pointed facial features. The eyes are set with red gemstones, likely synthetic garnets. He can sit up on his little fins and has a cute doral fin on top of his head. We have added a 5mm 9ct gold split ring allowing him to be placed on your chain. His tail is a little bent with age but quite acceptable. The scales are all finely etched for a realistic sinuous look. The head is smooth. Measures approximately cm including bail Gross weight: 2.6g Condition: good

Vintage 18ct gold articulated fish with dark pink eyes The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a European jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm. This exceptional example is struck in luminous 18ct gold and showcases an epic eleven scales, all beautifully articulated. They are etched and cross-hatched for a wonderful ornate look. The fish's head is smooth textured, with cute kissy fish lips finished with a loop and oval shape bail. The tail is a little bent with age but if anything gives the fish more life. The eyes are set with dark pink gemstones, likely synthetic rubies. There are studs all down the fish's back and front where all the scales have been joined, with tiny areas of solder visible. This is a collectable and fun item of jewellery underpinned by serious quality. Hallmarked: no Tested as 18ct gold Measures approximately cm in length Gross weight: 4.4g Condition: good

Fine 14ct gold fish with turquoise cabochon eyes The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a European jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm. This imaginative and striking example is likely an import from Portugal. Its beautiful wiggling scales are realistically textured, and capture the movement of a real little fish. The body is in yellow gold, while the bail, head and tail are more pink in tone. The mouth is open in a perpetual gasp. The bail is set to one side so she will sit at an angle on your chain Measures approximately 5cm including bail Gross weight: 3g Marked 14k to bail Condition: excellent

Extremely fine antique 22k gold moving fish with natural red gemstone cabochon eyes The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm. This spectacular example is crafted of the highest carat of yellow gold and is Indian in origin. It doesn't move in the way of a typical articulated fish; at rest she sits with a beautiful curve, and when you go to move her you realise her body and tail are articulated to move upwards, so she straightens in a most sinuous and majestic movement that is highly unusual and quite fascinating. Her eyes are set with wonderful mellow red cabochons that blaze out from the yellow of the gold, possibly untreated rubies. Her lip is set with a fine fixed gold loop ready for your chain. Her body is lightly textured, and her flowing tail is scored with pretty pattern detailing. Measures approximately 5.4cm in length Gross weight: 2g Unmarked 22k gold Condition: very good