Peacock brooch by C. R. Ashbee
A peacock in silver and gold with pearls and a stone, the Guild of Handicraft’s best-known jewel.
The peacock was Ashbee’s favourite motif and was made in several versions. The jewels were sold to clients who shared the guild’s ideal of simple craftsmanship. Examples are in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Materials: Silver, gold, pearls, opal or demantoid
Manufacture: Handmade in the guild’s workshop with wire, simple settings and hammered surfaces.
The peacock’s tail like a fan of silver wire with pearls.
The simple, visible settings – the jewel was meant to look handmade.