Antique 18K Carved Garnet of a Cherub & Diamond Brooch, 3 colors of Gold c 1881
Antique 18K carved garnet of an ethereal representation of a cherub or an enfant. The work is quite three dimensional, right down to its star motif rose cut diamond in the hair. The finely etched wings are in three colors of gold - yellow, pink and green.
The tri-color gold wings are a wonderful example of gold craftsmanship from this period; a time when everything was done by hand without the help of sophisticated machinery.
On the verso is the inscription "Sept 12, '81'.
This brooch is in excellent condition, all original -including the pinstem and clasp which are frequently non-original.
This was a popular motif in the 19th century. One more frequently encounters such carvings done in Moonstone. One only quite rarely encounters carvings in a piece like this in garnet. The bright red color of the garnet is a very interesting and an unique choice for a love motif of a cherub or, possibly, the impending arrival of a baby. The carving is pristine. The wings are etched or hand engraved with unforgettable skill. The pin measures 2.5 inches across.
All items sold are accompanied by a detailed Statement of Value by our gemologist, as well as all original gemological documentation, if specified in the listing. As always, we guarantee all pieces to be exactly as represented. Each piece of jewelry arrives in a gift-wrapped fine presentation box.
Over the decades of our stewardship as a small but exemplary purveyor of the jeweler's art, we have strived to offer a fine and authentic selection, in excellent condition, of collectible jewels from all highly sought time periods at competitive prices. In the process, we have had the extraordinary good fortune of meeting remarkable people - some collectors, others just extremely interesting individuals who have taken the time and effort to examine their lives and select things that tend to make them smile, or admire, or just wonder at the exciting endlessly creative and nuanced panoply of jeweled artifacts.