Riker Bros., one of Newark's former premier jewelry designers readily took up the gauntlet to meet the growing desire of the American public for items that featured figural themes.

There had been an earlier surge of interest in 19th century Europe for Gothic and Renaissance motifs with mythical creatures such as dragons, gryphons (griffons), and gargoyles as well as the Mannerist style of grotesques and chimeras being popular.

The Beaux Arts School also incorporated many of these winged and imaginary creatures during its span from about 1885 to 1930.

One of the more notable and identifiable motifs offered in a variety of sizes by the Riker Brothers is that of the dragon brooch. Their detailing, texturing, and modeling were on par with that of Tiffany.

Beautifully crafted from 14k yellow gold, the image is of a dragon and a sword. In a rare example, this one is covered in translucent cherry red enamel. Up the wing edge, and at the sword hilt, old European diamonds provide shimmer.

A demantoid garnet of .07 carats rests near the neck. The gold tongue protrudes, the head sports a dragon frill, and the tail is wrapped around the sword blade. A tiny ruby cabochon represents the eye.

Please see page 112 in "The Glitter & The Gold: Fashioning America's Jewelry" by Dietz et al. for several examples.