Antique Victorian Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Halo Brooch

This exquisite and well-preserved Vintage Victorian Sapphire Diamond Brooch, made in the late 19th century, features a cushion-shape sapphire with an estimated weight of 14.86 carats. The sapphire is accompanied by two reports - from Gemlab GemTechLab (GGTL) and AGL both stating that it is a natural corundum blue sapphire of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) origin with no indication of thermal treatment. The sapphire is set in a narrow, textured collet in gold and further accented by a cushion-shape halo including 64 colorless diamonds of circular-, single- and rose cut. The halo, crafted in silver, expands to the left and right into symmetrical open curves reminiscent of a loving cup, which composes the simple curvilinear structure of the single pinstem brooch.

The Victorian Era in England (1837-1901), specifically the Aesthetic Period (1885-1901) marked a transition from the weighty opulence of the previous Grand Period (1861-1885) following Prince Albert’s death, to more delicate jewelry designs. The small size of this brooch, measuring 1.4 x 0.75 inches (35.56 x 19.05 mm) is consistent with jewelry of the time which reflected a new lifestyle for women who became an integral part of the workforce and enjoyed newfound freedoms in leisure activities. As such, women's jewelry became lighter and smaller. Delicate rings, bracelets, and brooches replaced the heavy opulence of previous years.
Natural unheated sapphires are rare and valuable as the majority of colored gemstones on the market have been heat-treated to improve the color saturation or clarity. Heat treatment “dissolves” the silk-like inclusions in sapphires, usually resulting in a more transparent and intensely colored stone. This velvety royal blue gemstone glows with the richness Ceylon sapphires are known for. Mixed with antique diamonds which were cut to sparkle by candlelight, this piece is a rare glimpse into the past with a treasured delicate sparkle.

Sri-Lankan cushion-cut non-heated sapphire weight approx. 14.86 carats total, certified by Gem Tech Lab and AGL. 64 diamonds surrounding the center stone, varying from circular single-cut aw well as rose cuts. Overall weight approx. 8.51 grams, estimated in some form of silver and gold. Victorian; circa late 19th Century.

SKU :P1026
Category :PINS
Metal :SILV

Silver

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