Diamond brooches combine the rich heritage of decorative jewellery with the enduring brilliance of precious gemstones. Popular throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, diamond brooches were favoured by royalty, aristocrats and collectors, with these pieces ranging from delicate floral motifs to elaborate sculptural designs set with brilliant-, rose- or old-cut diamonds. Today, historic examples by maisons such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron remain highly sought-after, with a Cartier Belle Epoque diamond devant-de-corsage brooch sold by Christie’s for CHF 15.8 million in 2014.
A MAGNIFICENT AND HISTORIC EMERALD AND DIAMOND PENDANT BROOCH
MUGHAL, EMERALD EARLY TO MID 17TH CENTURY, BROOCH 1829