NARDI Venice 1960 Articulated Coral Turtle Brooch In 18Kt Gold Diamonds & Sapphires
A gem set turtle-brooch designed by Nardi.
A very rare brooch created in Venice, Italy, by the iconic and exclusive Venetian jewelry house Giulio Nardi, circa 1950–1960. This unique and highly collectible piece, conceived in the form of a turtle, was masterfully crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold with a polished finish. Reflecting the whimsical yet refined aesthetic for which Nardi is renowned, the brooch displays exceptional attention to both design and engineering. The four legs and head are fully articulated, allowing for subtle movement and enhancing the lifelike character of the piece. The turtle’s shell is carved from a superb specimen of natural Sardinian red coral, exhibiting rich color and fine surface quality. The remaining elements are lavishly embellished with two-hundred-fifty-six pavé-set white, colorless diamonds, while the eyes are accented with two vivid blue sapphires, adding a striking point of contrast. The brooch is fitted at the reverse with dual hinged pin stems and a safety hook, ensuring secure wear. An exceptional example of mid-20th-century Italian craftsmanship, this piece embodies Nardi’s tradition of creating one-of-a-kind jewels that combine sculptural artistry, technical sophistication, and the use of fine-quality gemstones.
Country: Venice, Italy.
Period: Baroque revival, 1960.
Designer: Nardi.
Materials: Yellow gold, Sardinian red coral, white diamonds and blue sapphires.
Diamonds: Mount in pave settings, with 256 calibrated round brilliant cuts diamonds, with a combined total weight of 7.78 carats, white colorless F/G color, VS clarity.
Coral: The main body of the turtle is 1 large carved cabochon cut of natural Sardinian red coral, with a weight of about 100 carats.
Sapphires: Mount in bezel settings, with 2 round cabochons cut of natural vivid blue sapphires, with a combined total weight of about 0.14 carats.
Birthstone: Coral for the month of March and blue sapphires for September.
Weight: 52.80 Grams (33.85 Dwt).
Measurements: 65 mm by 58 mm by 20 mm (2.56 x 2.28 x 0.79 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's company logo-mark, the Italian mark for the assay and warranty of the 18kt yellow gold and signed in full as follows, "NARDI .750".
Nardi
The company is a jewelry that was founded in Venice, Italy by Giulio Nardi (1897-1976) in 1926. The recent founded firm opened a workshop at the # 69 in St. Marks square. His son Sergio Nardi joins the family venture in the 1940 and his grandson Alberto Nardi are still running the firm. Today the business remains at the same original location, always offering one of a kind and exclusive jewels.
Collateral: This Nardi turtle brooch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this Nardi turtle brooch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the gold. The 259 gemstones are secured in the settings. This brooch was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P041726MEREN/1.269 GA
