Exquisite Brooch with a Mauve-Coloured Natural Pearl and Diamonds, c. 1880 & Later

Natural Beauty

Exquisite Brooch with a Mauve-Coloured Natural Pearl and Diamonds, c. 1880 & Later

€ 23,890.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

The late 19th century was the golden age of diamond jewellery. The precious, brilliant diamond was considered the quintessential stone for representative affairs. But in those changing times, when any wealthy person could buy the most lavish diamond jewellery—which had previously been the privilege of the aristocracy—one gemstone was considered even more exclusive: the pearl. Large, natural pearls—especially those of rare and particularly beautiful colours—could not simply be mined on a whim, cut to the desired shape, and purchased at a jeweller’s. In the era of pearl diving, before the commercial breakthrough of pearl farming, every pearl was unique and a stroke of luck. One waited for the perfect pearl, sometimes for years. If such a pearl then found its way to a renowned jeweller, it was available only once—and the jeweller had to carefully consider which wealthy family to give priority to when selling it, so that the family would carry on the jeweller’s name. This is just such a pearl. It is a natural saltwater pearl of an ethereally beautiful hue that is difficult to describe: Somewhere between a powdery rosé and a cool, subtle lavender, with a delicate lustre and a wonderful iridescence—the so-called “Orient”—that allows pink and copper-colored reflections, as well as green and bluish ones, to glide across the surface. The teardrop shape is slightly baroque. It is set as the centerpiece of a precious diamond brooch in the shape of a bow, as would have been worn around 1890 at the neckline of an evening gown. The brooch shows minor, older restorations on the reverse. It is possible that it was assembled at an earlier date as a “mariage” of various elements created around the same time: The central diamond between the large diamond and the pearl’s setting, as well as the sleeve-shaped setting of the pearl itself, originate from a different context than the bow. However, all elements were likely created around the same time, and the assembly was carried out with historical sensitivity. In its current form, the brooch is reminiscent of the Kensington Bow Brooch, which Queen Mary—then still Princess May—received on the occasion of her wedding in 1893 and wore frequently. A rare jewel. The brooch comes with an independent laboratory report on the pearl.

Size & Details

Natural Beauty

€ 23,890.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

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