Design for a Jewel in the Shape of a Hummingbird, Henri Cameré, c. 1864 - c. 1894
The small South-American Tufted Coquette hummingbird served as the source of inspiration for this stunning jewel. The hummingbird is designed as an aigrette, a plume-shaped ornament worn by both men and women in their hair or on a hat. The colours white, red, and green probably refer to the choice for diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.