Victorian Tiger’s Claw Pendant

A rare and evocative Victorian tiger’s claw pendant dating to around 1870, created at a moment when Britain’s fascination with the cultures and natural world of India was at its height. The claw would almost certainly have originated in India during the British Raj, a period beginning in 1858 when the subcontinent fell under direct British rule. Jewellery mounted with exotic animal teeth and claws found great popularity among Victorian travellers, serving both as potent souvenirs and as talismans believed to confer the animal’s strength, speed and cunning upon the wearer.

This example retains a beautiful natural form and surface, slightly translucent when held to the light, with the warm striations and internal glow typical of genuine tiger claw. It is mounted in 18K gold with a scalloped collar and matching bail, a classic Victorian treatment that allowed the organic material to be worn securely as an amulet. The craft of producing mounted tiger claws is now prohibited, which lends early examples such as this particular scarcity and historical significance.

The piece shows a small area of age-related damage to one section near the top the claw. The claw remains firmly set and fully secure in its mount.

2.05 g.

2.4 x 1.8 cm on the longest axes.

Unmarked but tests as 18K gold.