DATE: Georgian, c.1790

An unusual Georgian stick pin set with a carved malachite monkey head, set with ruby cabochon eyes. The stone displays a fantastic colour, that forms a striking contrast with the red eyes, and it features lovely expressive detail, giving him a cheeky little face.  It dates from the late 18th Century, modelled in 15 karat gold with a steel pin. Monkey jewellery has many symbolic meanings and was used as a protective good luck token in ancient cultures. It regarded the monkey as an intelligent and wise animal! 

STONES 

Malachite 

Ruby Cabochon 

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 1.5x 1.1cm

Pin: 6.9cm

WEIGHT 

4.65g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 15k

Pin in steel 

CONDITION 

Very good