Product Details

Rare Edwardian c.1900–1910 sterling silver gharial brooch. Its distinctive long, narrow snout identifies the gharial, native to the Indian subcontinent. Set with 3 precious opals and genuine ruby eyes. My research indicates the stones are consistent with Australian light crystal opals, known for their blue-green play-of-color. Britain’s extensive trade connections with Australia and India allowed luxury materials to move through imperial trade networks, making the pairing of Australian opal with an Indian gharial especially fascinating. During the Edwardian era, exotic jewelry could symbolize wealth, worldliness and a well-traveled lifestyle. The long pin and unusual vertical-entry locking catch further support the period dating. Hand-worked sterling with detailed scales and dimensional construction. A one-of-a-kind collector’s piece combining Australian opal, Indian imagery and Edwardian luxury.