A fine mid Victorian yellow metal, diamond and pearl set bro...
A fine mid Victorian yellow metal, diamond and pearl set brooch in the form of a bee. The white metal tipped body set with a white pearl to the abdomen, and a black pearl to the thorax. The white pearl framed by rose cut diamonds, and the black pearl set beneath two cabochon ruby eyes. Both wings set with two old mine cut diamonds, with further rose cuts pave set across the wings, and the legs and antenna realistically detailed in yellow metal. 47 diamonds, totalling 1.25ct. approx. Fastens with C clasp. Brooch width approx. 39mm, length approx. 20mm. 6.8g.
Condition Report: Unmarked. Clasp secure. One rose cut to the left of the white pearl is chipped, but this is not obvious unless examining the piece. Very small chip to small rose cut on wing, which is not visible unless using a loupe. All stones feel secure, and none appear to be replacements. Wear to the metal as expected, wear to the black pearl setting. Tarnish to gold on reverse. Screw fitting to the reverse where the brooch would have previously been part of a convertible piece. Brooch fastening (although presumably a later addition) has age to it, and is in keeping with the look and craftsmanship of the brooch.
A fine mid Victorian yellow metal, diamond and pearl set brooch in the form of a bee. The white metal tipped body set with a white pearl to the abdomen, and a black pearl to the thorax. The white pearl framed by rose cut diamonds, and the black pearl set beneath two cabochon ruby eyes. Both wings set with two old mine cut diamonds, with further rose cuts pave set across the wings, and the legs and antenna realistically detailed in yellow metal. 47 diamonds, totalling 1.25ct. approx. Fastens with C clasp. Brooch width approx. 39mm, length approx. 20mm. 6.8g.
Condition Report: Unmarked. Clasp secure. One rose cut to the left of the white pearl is chipped, but this is not obvious unless examining the piece. Very small chip to small rose cut on wing, which is not visible unless using a loupe. All stones feel secure, and none appear to be replacements. Wear to the metal as expected, wear to the black pearl setting. Tarnish to gold on reverse. Screw fitting to the reverse where the brooch would have previously been part of a convertible piece. Brooch fastening (although presumably a later addition) has age to it, and is in keeping with the look and craftsmanship of the brooch.
