Riker Brothers of Newark readily took up the gauntlet during the turn of the 20th century to fulfill the growing desire for jewelry that featured figurative themes.

Dragons and gargoyles, as well as the Mannerist style of grotesques and chimeras, were all the rage. The Beaux Arts School also incorporated many of these imaginary creatures during its span from c. 1885 to around 1930.

One of the more notable motifs offered was that of the dragon (or griffin). Their intricate detailing, texturing, and modeling were on par with Tiffany and other notable houses.

Created in 14k yellow gold, the image is that of a dragon and a sword. An amalgam of different animals real and imaginary, this mythical beast is portrayed with open jaws and ears projecting forward. A ruby eye focuses its gaze.

Detailing individual feathers for the upright wings, and a serpentine or reptilian body replete with scales, they appear to flex as the tail coils about the blade of the sword.

The reverse reveals a curved prong, known as a chatelaine fixture or watch hanger, and the original tube hinger and pin mechanism. The Riker mark is impressed on the back.

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