Wonderful large and chunky 19th Century Stag 'Pierced by an Arrow'
 
The running stag is finely modelled in high carat gold and pavé set with rose cut diamonds all over the front of his body with a faceted ruby for his eye. His body is pierced by an arrow, also encrusted with rose cut diamonds.
 
It is tricky to work out the carat weight of the diamonds but it must be about 4!
 
In antique jewelry, a stag with an arrow through its body is a deeply symbolic motif that represents healing love, romantic vulnerability, or perseverance through emotional pain.
While it can occasionally be traced back to heraldic crests or classical mythology (such as the Greek goddess Artemis and the hunt), its primary meaning in sentimental, Renaissance, and Victorian jewelry relies on two main layers of symbolism:
 
Wounded Love (Cupid’s Arrow)
 
The arrow is the classic instrument of Cupid. When featured piercing a majestic animal like a stag, it signifies being deeply struck by love. The wound represents the bittersweet ache, vulnerability, and overwhelming power of romantic devotion that triumphs over reason.
 
The Power of Healing and Resilience
 
Most uniquely, this specific imagery is rooted in medieval bestiaries. Ancient folklore dictated that if a stag was struck by a hunter's arrow, it would immediately seek out and eat dittany, a magical wild herb believed to make embedded arrowheads slip out of the flesh naturally.
Because of this legend, when the motif was used in Renaissance love tokens and Victorian sentimental jewelry, it carried a dual promise:
• It acknowledged the pain and sorrow that love can bring.
• It served as a reminder of resilience and renewal, promising that the hurts caused by love would eventually heal.
 
weighs - 22.5g
measures - 56mm x 45mm
bolt measures - 12mm 
European circa 1870
 
Good antique condition. A small piece of lead on the inner back leg. Converted from a brooch.