Large 18K gold, vermeil and hardstone bird model by Asprey

Masterfully made by Asprey, the renowned British firm of jewellers and goldsmiths, from a selection of luxurious materials, the bird model features intricate and intriguing detailing creating a life-like decorative object.

The heron is made from Citrine quartz, creating an amber-coloured body. The gemstone is cut and carved to imitate natural features one would find on a bird such as the slender body shape and feathers detailing. Additional gold details are applied to the bird creating a more regal appearance. Diamond-set eyes adorn the head in addition to black onyx carved in the shape of a beak. Two long legs are cast from 18K gold and attached to the magnificently decorated base.

A vivid blue azurite piece creates the illusion of water from which the bird emerges, the reflection of the sea-green rock in the silver-gilt base adding to the life-like look. Surrounding the rock are several bunches of flowers and foliage. Silver gilt is expertly formed to imitate leaves growing from the surface of the azurite. A hardstone with pink-purple colouration is used for the delicate flowers emerging from the gold leaves. Each one features a shimmering diamond centre.

The model stands on a round silver-gilt base supported on flattened bun feet.

The base is marked ‘925’ alongside a maker’s mark and one of the legs bears the '750' mark. 

The sophisticated design and fine quality of the bird model embody the exceptional abilities of Asprey’s skilled makers who produced pieces for an elite clientele.