Antique Art Deco brooch. 18k gold, silver, diamonds, sapphires and conch pearl. Made in France circa 1925-1930.
Comes with GIA certificate for conch pearl and independent gemological appraisal.
Suitable for a man or a woman.
Measurements:
Weight is 11.6 grams. Length is 1 3/4 inches (4.5cm).
Description :
Geometric rectangular shape with rectangular 'steps' extending on either side. The graduated pair of steps set with rose cut diamonds in the middle and blue sapphires on their ends. In the center of the brooch is an oval conch pearl - pink orange color, held in a silver collet with double beaded border. Surrounding the conch pearl and filling the rest of the rectangle is an exquisite ground of pave set old mine cut diamonds within openwork borders in a scalloped flower surrounded by scalloped clouds - possibly influenced by Chinese art of the period.
Diamonds are set in silver, white metal being the traditional setting for diamonds for hundreds of years. This is backed in a rich gold layer. The pin and tubular clasp are also in gold. Gold work on the back of the brooch is of the highest quality.
The small blue sapphires are the perfect foil to the orange conch pearl - blue being the complementary color to orange and therefore balancing the design.
Quality of workmanship - both front and back - is outstanding.
Marks and Metal:
Marked on the side with clear French eagle mark for 18k gold and unclear mark- possibly swan for silver, which is worn and not clearly visible.
Condition:
Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
Conch pearls are prized because they combine extreme rarity, striking natural beauty, and a formation process that cannot be replicated by culturing. They form only in the Queen Conch and appear in just a tiny fraction of shells, making them among the rarest pearls in the world. Their signature pink-to-orange hues and the distinctive flame-like pattern on their surface set them apart from all other pearls, giving them a vivid, almost sculptural quality that collectors and jewelers covet.
