Gold and diamond griffin pendant “Chimera”

Description

This new TransfÓ or transformation by ÓNÍSÌ PARIS is an old tie pin from the nineteenth century converted into a pendant. Featuring a griffin or chimera enclosing in its mouth a sublime brilliant-cut diamond of 0.15 carats of VVSI clarity and H color (i.e. colorless), the pendant is held in place by a movable bail. A mystical piece with a bewitching charm.
Length s: 2.1cm with bail, 1.7cm without
Width: 1.7cm
Weight: 2.95g
This unique piece had a previous life in France.

The Story: A popular symbol of 19th-century jewelry, chimeras are fantastical creatures made up of parts of different animals. Their origin can be traced back to Greek mythology, where they were described as hybrid creatures with attributes of several animals, often representing opposing qualities or concepts. For example, the most famous chimera was a mixture of lion, goat, and snake, symbolizing strength, fertility, and mystery. Their presence in 19th-century jewelry evokes a sense of fascination with the fantastic and the unknown, while reflecting the artistic and aesthetic trends of the time.