I have always loved little birds and we are blessed in Arizona to have a huge number of species. Living on a golf course, we see delicate little hummingbirds, mourning doves, swallows and huge numbers of others co-existing nicely together. When I first became aware of the charming Victorian Saint Esprit pendants - I felt compelled to research the significance of these birds in flight. The result of the research is a bit confusing, but also bears similar significance.

The Saint Esprit dove can be traced back as far as the mid 1700’s in France and was a religious symbol, meaning “Holy Spirit”. The dove itself is highly symbolic in many cultures and faiths, meaning peace, love or fidelity.

As we move forward into the Victorian era, the doves or swallows found in the jewelry of that period represented safely returning home and/or faithfulness. This connotation was taken from the legend that swallows lead ships home as they get closer to land - preventing the ships from being lost at sea.

Victorian French Saint Esprit doves, descending from heaven with their wings spread was a symbol of faith. Birds holding a heart in their beak symbolized love and holding a branch signified peace, friendship and hope. The fact that swallows mate for life has made these coveted romantic symbols endure - even hundreds of years later.

An antique Victorian Saint Esprit paste swallow pendant descending from heaven with outstretched wings, dangles sweetly below garlands of oxidized silver flanking each side and a filigree design above featuring a paste quatrefoil. The crystal bezel chain consists of differing shapes of elongated ovals, squares and rounds - repeating the shimmering antique paste pendant. This layering necklace also features a beautiful crystal set clasp in rhodium silver which opens from either side of the flower - perfect for those who are left handed. This long necklace would not only be a conversation starter and stunning worn alone but also as a layered set using other necklaces from your jewelry armoire.

Saint Esprit III Necklace - 28 inches long / Pendant .97 X 5.00 inches high (including quatrefoil).