Monkey and Pearl Stickpin
The Philosopher! |
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A monkey contemplates a small pearl while nonchalantly scratching his back. Note the rich details of the monkey's fur and his bemused expression. Beautifully crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.
The Victorians loved jewels with hidden messages and secret meanings. This stickpin has variously been interpreted as a monkey with a coconut, Hamlet lamenting poor Yorick, or, my favorite, a philosopher mesmerized with his own ideas (pearls of wisdom). The moral is a lesson in humility: "No matter how enchanted we are with our own thoughts, we may appear to the world to be a monkey grasping a pearl." The reverse of the stickpin (pictured below) is as nicely crafted as the front and signed by the fine jewelry maker Hayden W. Wheeler & Co., a maker of fine stickpins and other jewelry from 1852 into the early 20th century. Cost: Although this elegant stickpin has sold, you will find many more fine stickpins in the Antique Stickpin Gallery. |  |
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Here are a few more elegant jewels from the past ...
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| Antique Jewelry Galleries Antique Stickpin Gallery If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, I can be reached at arthur@elegantcufflink.com or 978 412-6633.
Or, if you prefer snail mail, my postal address is: |
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