Diamond Enamel French-Made Eagle Brooch

Eagle pins were popular French jewels, and this 18K gold eagle was originally sold in France. It is 3-3/8" long at the widest wing span, the wings made of enamel on gold and set with rose-cut diamond on a layer of platinum. The noble bird's head is also enamel, and his feet clutch a rose-diamond set gold branch from which a natural pearl hangs. A similar brooch from the period can be seen in the collection of Madeleine Albright, "Read My Pins", published by Harper Collins, 2009.