Vintage Guatemala 900 Silver Resplendent Quetzal Brooch · Hand Engraved Bird

A beautifully detailed vintage Guatemalan silver brooch depicting the resplendent quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala and one of the country's most recognizable cultural symbols.
 
The quetzal is rendered with an impressive amount of hand-worked detail. Fine engraved cuts define the rounded crest, face, breast and layered wing feathers, while the bird perches among engraved leaves. Its characteristic long tail feathers sweep dramatically downward into open curling forms, giving the brooch an elegant elongated silhouette.
 
The brooch is stamped GAUTE 900 on the reverse, indicating 900-grade silver. Rather than relying on stones or colour, the design is entirely about the silversmithing—the combination of pierced areas, engraving, chased/textured detail and polished highlights creates the definition.
 
At 5.3 cm long, it's large enough for the quetzal design to be immediately recognizable while remaining light at only 4.5 grams.
 
Details
900 silver
Stamped GAUTE 900
Resplendent quetzal design
Guatemalan origin
National bird of Guatemala
Hand-cut and engraved detailing
Pierced/openwork construction
Detailed feather and wing engraving
Engraved foliage
Long curling tail feathers
Pin-back brooch
Additional small hook fitting on reverse
Approx. 5.3 cm long
Approx. 3 cm wide
Weight approx. 4.5 grams
 
Thank you for considering one of our carefully curated pieces of vintage jewelry.