A popular design used in the Victorian era, swallows were believed to represent love and were also given as a symbol of returning safely to your loved ones. People in England often quote seeing swallows for the first time each year as a sign of the start of Spring. The swallow mates for life, making this pendant/charm a beautiful gift for a special someone to symbolise your commitment to each other. We think it would make an incredibly sentimental gift for a bride to be!
 
The charm is made from gold, unhallmarked, and tests as 9ct gold. The swallow has lovely detailing to the front, studded with little seed pearls and is plain to the back. We believe the swallow was once an antique stick pin that has been converted into a charm at some point in time as marks to the back indicate that it one may have had a pin fitting. 
 
The charm measures approx 13.4mm tall (not including the jump ring) by approx 15.6mm wide by approx 2.3mm deep. The charm weighs approx 0.7g.
 
Condition - The charm is in well loved vintage condition with signs of age and wear, including surface wear to the gold and seed pearls. As mentioned above, the charm looks to have been previously converted and likely started life as a stick pin. There are marks to the back of the charm where a pin would likely have been attached. There are also signs of the conversion where the jump ring fitting has been added to the swallow's wing with the nearest seed pearl being just a small piece of seed pearl rather than a cabochon shape. The seed pearls vary in size, colour and quality. One on the bottom wing is crazed. The jump ring is currently soldered closed. The charm is quite delicate and will need to be worn with care. Please see photos for more detail.
 
*Please note the antique box and chain pictured are not included in the sale but the charm will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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