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Wonderful 14ct gold fish with red eyes
£180.00
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
Out of stock
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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.
We are pleased to offer for sale this rare and collectable tiny example in 18ct gold, likely American made. She is highly detailed and fine, with closely packed scales that make her ultra flexible. A jump ring to the lip allows her to slide on your chain with ease. Her eyes are set with vibrant red glass. We also have her Mama available! Click here to visit her listing.
Measures approximately 2.25cm
Clearly stamped '18k' to tail
Would weigh less than a gram
Condition: very good
Measures approximately 2.25cm
Clearly stamped '18k' to tail
Would weigh less than a gram
Condition: very good 
Superb 18ct gold fish with red glass eyes
Very fine vintage 18ct 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 jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm.
This wonderful example is likely American made. It has very finely articulating scales all in highly polished, buttery 18ct gold. The gold has a subtle rose undertone. The scales are very close together making the fish extra flexible. A nice closed jump ring is set through the fish's mouth. We love the chunky tail and vibrant red glass eyes. This little fish has twin matching babies available for purchase here.
Clearly stamped '18k' to tail
Measures approximately 3.7cm
Gross weight: 1g
Condition: damage to glass eye; good overall
Clearly stamped '18k' to tail
Measures approximately 3.7cm
Gross weight: 1g
Condition: damage to glass eye; good overall 
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
Measures approximately 5cm including bail
Gross weight: 3g
Marked 14k to bail
Condition: excellent 
Superb 18ct gold fish with dark pink eyes
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
Hallmarked: no
Tested as 18ct gold
Measures approximately cm in length
Gross weight: 4.4g
Condition: good