An extraordinary antique 18ct gold, platinum and diamond chimaera brooch pendant, dating to circa 1900 and depicting a wonderfully detailed winged mythical creature breathing an old mine-cut diamond from its open jaws like a tiny puff of sparkling smoke.
 
The chimaera is beautifully rendered in richly textured yellow gold, with intricate chased detailing bringing its fantastical form to life, from the enormous outstretched wings and scaled, curling tail to its clawed feet and wonderfully expressive head.
 
Held just beyond the creature's open mouth is an approximately 3mm old mine-cut diamond, cleverly positioned to appear as though the chimaera is breathing out a glittering puff of smoke or fire. The chunky antique cut gives the stone all the character and sparkle we love from diamonds of this period.
Further diamond detailing appears along the sweeping edges of the wings and at the tip of the curled tail, where graduating rose-cut diamonds are set in platinum. The cool white platinum provides a beautiful contrast against the rich 18ct yellow gold while enhancing the icy appearance of the antique diamonds.
 
The chiamera was designed to be worn in multiple ways. A traditional brooch fitting spans the reverse, while two discreet hooks to the back allow a slim chain to be threaded through, transforming the piece into a spectacular pendant.  We recommend using chains up to 2mm wide when attaching the chimaera to your chain with the hooks.
 
The reverse is almost as wonderful as the front, with extensive texturing and chased detail continuing across the creature's body, wings and tail. The gold is stamped “18C” and has also been tested using XRF analysis, with the contrasting white diamond-set sections testing as platinum.
 
The piece remains in excellent antique condition, retaining wonderful natural patina, particularly around the brooch fittings to the reverse.
 
The antique brooch fitting has a clever locking mechanism. To open, gently pull the small knob out from the closure and guide the pin down through the opening. To secure, return the pin into the opening and push the knob back into place. If you feel any resistance, hold the pin very slightly downward while pressing the knob in, allowing the closure to pass cleanly over the pin.