Estate Vintage Mid Century 14K Gold Figural Whale Brooch With Turquoise and a Sapphire Eye Two and a Half Inches of Pure Mermaid Life

<p>Solid 14K yellow gold, worked into a sperm whale with more personality than most figural jewelry ever manages. The body is a fine mesh and filigree pattern standing in for scales and fin texture, a construction technique that takes real patience at this scale, and a curled gold spout rises off the head like he just surfaced. Thirty natural turquoise cabochons run along the spine and crown the head, and a single bezel set sapphire stands in for the eye, giving him a surprisingly expressive look for a piece of jewelry shaped like a sea mammal.</p> <p>This is mid century novelty jewelry at its best, likely 1950s to 1960s, from an era when jewelers leaned hard into whimsical figural pieces and nautical themes were everywhere. No maker's mark here, but the piece is clearly stamped 14K, and at 12.41 grams of solid gold this is not a lightweight costume stand in. It wears as a genuine statement pin, substantial enough to anchor a jacket lapel or a wide collar without disappearing.</p> <p>Estate condition throughout. The pin catch opens, closes, and holds securely, and every one of the thirty turquoise cabochons along with the sapphire eye is fully set with no losses or chips. A whale this well built and this well kept does not turn up often.</p> <p><strong>Condition:</strong> Estate condition. Pin catch tested and holds securely. All thirty turquoise cabochons and the bezel set sapphire eye are secure with no chips or losses. No repairs or replacements noted. Stamped 14K, no maker's mark.</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> Solid 14K yellow gold, stamped 14K. Figural sperm whale design, mid century, circa 1950s to 1960s. Fine mesh body with filigree accents mimicking scales and fin texture. Thirty natural turquoise cabochons set along the head and spine. Bezel set sapphire eye. Sculpted gold spout rising from the head. Measures 2 1/2 inches long by 2 inches tall. Weighs 12.41 grams. Unsigned, no maker's mark. Pin catch tested and working, all stones secure.</p>