Bird motifs have been a constant in jewellery for centuries because they carry instant recognisability and a sense of movement that designers return to again and again. The Victorians used swallows to represent loyalty and return, which is why the form appears so often in their brooches and pendants, and the appeal has never really dipped. This piece takes that same clear silhouette and scales it up enough to hold its own as the focal point of a stack, with seed pearls placed to mark out the wings and body so the shape stays crisp. The gold has a confident yellow that supports the outline and the proportions mean it can act as a swooping centrepiece on a heavier chain or sit cleanly on a finer one without losing presence.
Length 4.3 cm
Width 2.1 cm
Gold 14 carat
Pearls and seed pearls
Chain not included