Utterly charming and infused with superb detail, this dated Victorian cat motif brooch is a marvel of the jeweler's art.

Fine cat and feline motif jewelry dating from prior to 1960s is a rare find. Dogs, horses and birds are far more common. Cat jewelry, for whatever reason, has rarely survived.

Cleverly created in yellow gold, rose gold and touches of silver, this combination adds realism to the whole. A cat perches on a wall, its paws dangling over the edge.

The head and feet are textured in 14k yellow gold and if you look closely, its head, nose and brows are dotted with silver and rose gold flecks to mimic a spotted coat.

Its eyes are embellished with two old mine cut diamonds (total .06 carats). On one paw balances a natural freshwater white pearl as its play toy.

The wall is a work of genius for it is textured just as a stone wall would be. Rose gold is subtly mixed with yellow gold and silver to impart the pebbled, textured look of real stone. It even has a textured sheen.

On the back is a hand engraved with the script, Many Happy Returns, A.L.F. and the date April 13, 1884. The other side is impressed with the patent date: Pat. Nov. 4 79 (for November 4, 1879).

The original tube hinge and fancy C clasp are still intact.