EDWARDIAN 1900 Enameled Pendant Brooch In 18Kt Platinum Diamonds & Aquamarine
A Belle Epoque convertible pendant-brooch.
This is a fantastic convertible pendant-brooch created in France during the Edwardian Belle Epoque period, between the 1900 and1910. The delicate brooch was masterfully hand-crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with parts in platinum for the setting of the diamonds. The brooch is embellished with application of white hard glass enamel and mounted with six very fine French cushion cuts diamonds. The center of the piece is set up in a millegrain mounting with a magnificent natural vivid blue aquamarine from the Santa-Maria variety. The piece is fitted at the reverse with a horizontal hinge bar with a hook to wear as a brooch and a concealed ring to slide a thin chain to wear as a necklace.
Santa Maria Aquamarine
This kind of aquamarine is one of the oldest and most expensive color of aquamarine. Their trade-name comes from Brazil. They have one of the deepest blue tones which is natural and not treated. The deeper the color is more expensive. An emerald-cut aquamarine like this, very clean, well cut, of a deep blue Santa Maria color is known as the most expensive and highly appraised aquamarine colour.
The Edwardian Era
Like the Georgian and Victorian eras before it, derives its name from the reign of the English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). Edwardian jewelry is known for representing femininity while incorporating a lot of the color white. Think diamonds, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They tended to be made from platinum and diamonds -the more, the merrier- and used fashionable, intricate techniques such as filigree and mill grain. Edwardian rings are works of art and best worn alone or alongside a simple wedding band. Mille graining, a new decorative technique made possible by the use of platinum, is featured often on Edwardian jewelry. Its border of delicate balls and ridges surrounding a gemstone or on the knife sharp edges of a design served to give jewelry a softer, lighter look.
Country: Europe, France.
Period: Edwardian, Belle-Epoque, circa 1900-1910.
Diamonds: Mounted in bezel settings, with 6 French squared-cushion cut diamonds, with a total combined weight of about 0.60 carats, white colorless F/G color, VS/SI clarity.
Aquamarine: Mount in the center, with 1 round faceted cut (10 x10 x 6 mm) of a vivid blue Santa-Maria aquamarine with a weight of about 2.76 carats, (The weight was estimate by formula).
Weight: 4.95 Grams, (3.20 Dwt).
Measurements: 30 mm by 25 mm, (1.19 x 0.98 Inches).
Hallmarks: Unmarked, and electronically tested for the assay and warranty of the the gold and the platinum with results as follows, ".750/.999 Au; .900/.999 Pt."
Collateral: This convertible Edwardian Belle Epoque brooch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this Edwardian Belle Epoque brooch is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the platinum. The 7 gemstones are secured in the settings. This brooch was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P112425AOEN/.1189
