A beautifully detailed brooch of glass enamel over Guilloche engraving is inset with a floral spray of diamonds and finished with a diamond surround. This brooch is a marriage of family heirloom jewelry containing 36 Indian Face Cut (taken from an 18th century piece) diamonds weighing by gauge and formula 1.80 carats and another piece comprised of the enamel plaque containing 22 round, single cut diamonds weighing .25 carat. Re-designed for my client's mother early in the 20th century. Some years later my client had the bale changed from yet another inherited piece. It is 18K gold (also marked 72, the Russian equivalent) with the outer diamond surround being set in silver (unmarked, but tested). The replacement fold down bale is also 18K. CONDITION: Very fine antique condition. One broken diamond in the Surround at 2 o'clock (shown in the last photograph) that we have had replaced with another antique diamond. All other stones (total count of diamonds, 58) are present and appear to be original to the piece. The enamel work was very well executed and remains in excellent condition with no losses, hairlines or repairs. It is deep royal blue. Broaching mechanism with tube safety closure are fully functional and secure. Minor scratching to the inside back panel in keeping with age and use (we can have these polished out on request). Total weight of diamonds by gauge and formula: 2.05 carats. Weight of brooch by scale: 15.8 grams. Markings include "72" for Russian 18 Kt pink gold and "18K". Finely engraved plaque Surround and floral insets for diamonds executed in 18K yellow gold. An independent Gemological Appraisal will be provided for this piece. Our fine gold jewelry is shipped worldwide at no charge to our clients. * A note about Indian Face Cut diamonds. Sometimes referred to as rough cut diamonds, they are polished on their natural occurring sides. They were extensively used in jewelry from the 16th-18th centuries. Because they have only naturally occurring facets, they are quieter than brilliant cuts. They are unmistakably recognized for their rich, ice-like glow. |
