Belle Epoque Diamond and Gem Brooch, circa 1905

Belle Epoque 18ct gold, platinum, diamond and gem-set brooch,…
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Belle Epoque 18ct gold, platinum, diamond and gem-set brooch, circa 1905, the basket set with old European-cut diamonds and diamond chips, the diamond-set flower heads with stamens highlighted by emerald, sapphire and ruby accents, the diamonds together weighing approximately 1.39 carats, approximately 27 x 28 mm, maker's mark indistinct, French assay marks. Provenance: Important Jewels, Watches & Objects, of Virtu, Smith & Singer, Sydney, 7 December 2020, lot 11, illustrated. Private Collection, Sydney, acquired from, the above

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  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
  • Belle Epoque - The Belle Époque, also known as the "Beautiful Era," was a period in European history that lasted from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. The term is most commonly associated with France, but is also used to refer to the same period in other countries, particularly in Western Europe and Latin America.

    During the Belle Époque, Europe experienced a time of great prosperity and cultural, artistic, and scientific advancements. It was an era of peace and optimism, characterized by industrial growth, urbanization, and new technologies such as electricity, automobiles, and the telephone. The period is also associated with a flourishing of art and culture, particularly in the fields of literature, music, and the visual arts.
  • Emeralds - Emeralds have been used in jewellery making for thousands of years, and are prized for their deep green colour, which is caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium in the mineral beryl. Because of their rare colour, emeralds are often more valuable than diamonds of a similar size and quality. In jewellery making, emeralds are typically cut into round or oval shapes to maximize their color and clarity. They are often set in gold or platinum and used as the centrepiece of a piece of jewellery, such as a ring or necklace. They can also be used in combination with other gems, such as diamonds, to create intricate and beautiful designs.
  • Assay / Assayed - Assaying is the testing of a metal, most commonly silver and gold to determine its ingredients and quality. In Britain, once an item of silver or gold has been assayed, a mark is stamped on it, certifying its purity. Known as hallmark, it derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay and mark articles of gold and silver.

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