An outstanding antique brooch modelled as the caduceus, set with diamonds in 15ct Gold. Presented in original Maroon velvet lined box.The Caduceus ( staff of Hermes). In Greek mythology the staff was given to Hermes by his half brother Apollo as a gift in return for the tortoise shell lyre, although its origins can be traced back as far as ancient Mesopotania - circa 3500 BC - and the Sumerian god Ningishzida who carried a wingless version of the double snaked staff.It''s a particularly potent symbol that to this day represents, by extension of Hermes and Mercury, the traits associated with those gods: trades and occupations broadly speaking, but more specifically as a symbol of wealth, wisdom, commerce, eloquence, thieving, and negotiation. To the ancient Greeks, the staff was also said to possess the power to make people fall asleep or wake up, and to also make peace between quarreling parties.In modern usage, the caduceus is sometimes adopted as a symbol for medicine, ...