Live Auction 7885Jewels - The London Sale
A SUPERB NATURAL PEARL AND DIAMOND BROOCH
Lot 343

A SUPERB NATURAL PEARL AND DIAMOND BROOCH

Closed1 December 2010

Price Realised

GBP 1,553,250

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

A SUPERB NATURAL PEARL AND DIAMOND BROOCH
Composed of three natural pearl and old-cut diamond clusters, each suspending a natural drop-shaped pearl with rose-cut diamond cap, the central detachable pearl drop with old-cut diamond surmount, mounted in silver and gold, circa 1870, 6.0cm long, in original brown leather fitted case by Garrard & Co.
Accompanied by report no. 57831 dated 12 November 2010 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating all pearls were found to be natural saltwater

Specialist note

This brooch was evidently one of Duchess Winifred's favourites as she frequently chose to be portrayed wearing it. Her full length portrait by Sargent (1902) shows the pearls prominently displayed on her 17th century style 'Van Dyke' costume and again they are seen in both the 1897 photograph of the Devonshire House ball as well as in the photograph of the Duchess in coronation robes.

Throughout history, natural pearls have been one of the most highly sought after gems. From Elizabeth I to Marie Antoinette and all of India's illustrious Maharajas, pearls have adorned kings and queens with splendour and elegance. Comparable to the historic
La Pelegrina or the Mancini Pearls, the pearls in this brooch are some of the largest and most desirable drops to appear at auction in recent years.