Maker: Leit?o & Irm?o
Period: Mid-20th Century Portuguese Jewellery Craft
Material: Gilt Metal Base, Polychrome Hand-Painted Enamel, Cabochon Ruby, Cultured Pearl, Single Brilliant Cut Diamond
Specification: Length 11.5 cm, width 5 cm, gross total weight 60.4 grams
Description: Monumental spread-wing eagle brooch, a signature wildlife design from revered Portuguese jewellers Leit?o & Irm?o. The entire avian form is sculpted in full relief with individually delineated feathers hand-enamelled in graduated warm gold, amber and sepia tones for lifelike plumage. A smooth cabochon ruby forms the piercing eye, while a fine loop emerging from the open beak suspends a single round pearl topped with a small brilliant diamond. Fully articulated talons and sweeping symmetrical wings amplify the dramatic silhouette, fitted with a robust long pin stem to secure on coats or evening gowns. Substantial weight and intact layered enamel confirm it as a rare large-scale figural work from the maker.