Lot 712 , An enamel, yellow sapphire and diamond 'Holbeinesque' brooch, late 19th century and later
An enamel, yellow sapphire and diamond 'Holbeinesque' brooch, late 19th century and later, set with a cushion-shaped yellow sapphire measuring approximately 16.8 x 13.5 x 12.6mm, calculated to weigh approximately 20.00 carats, within a border of blue, red, green and white basse taille enamel, set with cushion-shaped diamonds totalling approximately 1.80 carats, the reverse similarly enamelled with floral scrollwork, suspending a later simulant pearl pendant capped with rose-cut diamonds, surmounted by a later bar brooch set with a bouton-shaped untested pearl measuring 6.8mm diameter, and circular-cut diamonds totalling approximately 0.90 carats, mounted in gold, and silver, length 7.6cm, gross weight 23 grams, yellow sapphire, pendant and bar brooch later added
£4,000-6,000
Condition:
Yellow sapphire not unmounted, weight is calculated and approximate. Lovely light yellow, good saturation, some minor colour banding visible within stone but not obvious to naked eye - colour distribution fairly even face-up, typical minor zoning visible from back. Sapphire likely not original to mount - perhaps a cabochon garnet would have been the original centre. It's a very good fit, well-chosen for the mount. The reverse has a few tiny spots of lead solder where the central aperture has been relined to accommodate the sapphire - these do not interfere with the enamel. The enamel is good quality and in good, original condition with no evidence of restoration. Some minor chips to the top and minor hoops where they link with the brooch and pendant. The brooch is later, the pearl is untested, possibly natural but not possible to guarantee. The pendant is also later, set with a simulant (imitation) pearl. Diamonds bright and lively, some SI, one or two in bar brooch I1 clarity, but all looking good. Overall a lovely example of its kind - the excellent, lavish Holbeinesque central element in good condition and thoughtfully reimagined.
Sold for £11,000