One of the most spectacular Victorian beauties we've ever had to offer: 7.82cts of rose cut diamonds, pearls and gorgeous Ceylon-blue natural sapphires!
Where do we even begin with this stunning piece of 19th century jewelry? Dating to the late Victorian era (1880-1900), this riveting brooch evokes so many thoughts as to where, when and who.
Showcasing an absolutely DIVINE natural octagonal step-cut blue sapphire boasting very classic Ceylon color (origin not confirmed), this beauty measures 8.80 x 7.10 x 4.20mm, weighing approximately 2.80ct. Due to the antiquity of this piece, we did not have the sapphire removed to be weighed loose, so all weights and measurements are estimated within the setting. Her color is pastel sky-blue, 'medium light, very slightly grayish, violetish-blue GIA vB 4/3', noted as moderately included with a good cut. We have taken magnified, close-up pictures of this gem so you can see her magnificence. In some light, she's almost opalescent.
In addition to the main large sapphire, the brooch holds 22 round-cut blue sapphires with diamond-like scintillation. Our gemologist initially thought they may be synthetic due to their fire and color, but they are indeed natural after examination and offer a deeper blue contrast to the pastel blue centerpiece. Graded as 'medium, moderately strong, violetish-blue color GIA vB 5/4', also with moderate inclusions and good cuts, these twenty-two sparklers add a further 0.88ct to the sapphire carat weight, for an overall total of 3.68ct in colored stone weight.
Furthermore, you'll find 8 creamy pearls upon the brooch. Not stated as 'cultured' in the appraisal, and given the age of this piece, these pearls are quite possibly natural, however, without further lab analysis, we will call them cultured pearls. Four of these pearls measure 3.25mm, and the other four 4.30mm, light cream in color with moderate blemishes and good lustre. A slight appearance of white glue or epoxy is present under a few of these pearls, possibly from past cleaning that discolored the glue used to adhere them, or a repair.
Of course, finally, we must talk about the diamonds! SO MANY DIAMONDS! 4.14ct worth of diamonds in fact! Both our gemologist and ourselves have counted 200 diamonds, which are a mixture of rose cuts and diamond slices. Graded 'very light grayish brown', these antique cut firecrackers appear silver in color as opposed to 'white', and they decorate just about every spare millimeter of the silver-topped 14kt yellow gold design. As to be expected with jewelry containing hand-cut diamonds and dating no less than 120 years, some of these diamonds have little nicks or abrasions, grading Si2 to I2. Their presence is fabulous as they dance within their darkened silver milgrain open-back channels.
Measuring 2.20 x 1.65 inches, and stamped '14k' on the early safely-latch clasp, this brooch weighs a substantial 21.70 grams of both 14kt yellow gold topped with darkened silver (unmarked). The back of the brooch reveals noticeable patina, which on antique pieces is 'prized', so we have not personally polished this piece. We cannot speak for past jewelers or owners, however, most jewelers know not to remove such an identifying trait when it comes to old jewelry.
We will let the pictures do the rest of the talking - I've done enough as usual! Absolutely amazing, this is a collector's piece that shouldn't be missed. Layaway Available to help make her yours now!
Thank you for visiting forEVAgems - Happy Shopping!
**forEVAgems is celebrating 15 YEARS at Ruby Lane in 2023! To commemorate this milestone, ALL non-sale jewelry items in 2023 will have 15% OFF applied at the time of purchase as a THANK YOU for your many loyal years to forEVAgems! Whether you've just discovered our shop, or you're returning for your 10th purchase, 15% OFF is promised this ENTIRE year on regular priced beauties!
