Enchanting 14ct gold fish with turquoise eyes

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