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. A strand of rock crystal faceted ovals in oxidized silver lends itself as the shimmering basis of this triple strand necklace design. Juxtaposed to the lavish rock crystal strand is a delicate strand of hand linked pearls with oxidized silver chain, which leads to the focal point of this design. An antique Victorian Saint Esprit paste pendant (circa 1850) swallow descending from heaven with outstretched wings, dangling sweetly below a festooned bow cartouche. This stunning pendant is gently suspended from an oxidized silver chain with bezel set teardrops of white topaz - repeating the shimmering antique paste pendant. The three linked chains are integrated into a snake clasp, which to Victorians was the symbol of eternal love. 18.75 / 25.5 / 30.5 inches long. Pendant 2 inches high X 1 inch wide.