McTeigue Diamond Emerald Platinum and 18k Gold Frog on Lily Pad Necklace

This McTeigue & Co. necklace features a diamond encrusted platinum frog sitting on an 18k gold lily pad, connected to a 14k gold chain. The frog is expressive, with emerald eyes and lifelike details that make him appear ready to leap. The diamond pave is done so well that it is hard to see where each stone begins and ends—the beads of the setting become part of the diamonds to create a seamless sparkle. The lily pad curls up around the edges and has a matte surface and leafy vein details. The gold and platinum make a nice contrast, as do the matte and high polish surfaces. This piece exhibits the fine craftsmanship that made McTeigue attractive enough to be acquired by Tiffany & Co. in 1991. 

Frogs represent transformation, metamorphosis, and rebirth. In Japan, they are considered to bring good fortune, wealth, and protection. 

McTeigue & Co. was founded in New York in 1885 by Walter P. McTeigue. The firm established a reputation for manufacturing fine diamond jewelry. By the 1920’s, under the name McTeigue & Co., their designs were showcased on a regular basis in the jewelry trade publication “Jewelers’ Circular.” 

The necklace contains approximately 0.2 carats of full cut and single cut natural diamonds, that are VS in clarity and range in color from D-E-F. It also contains two natural 1.3 mm emeralds. The frog is platinum, the lily pad is 18k gold, and the chain is 14k gold. 

The lily pad measures 7/8” x 15/16”. The chain is on the shorter side at 15 1/4” and could easily be lengthened with a chain extender. The necklace weighs 10.4 grams. Marked on the lily pad as platinum, 18k, and “SMcT” for McTeigue. Marked on the chain as 14k.