This fine and impressive antique brooch has been crafted in 18ct yellow gold with silver settings.
The brooch has been modelled in the form of a butterfly.
The wings have a pierced decorated hatch style frame embellished with a total of twelve collet set synthetic rubies*.
The butterfly's thorax is accented with a central silver set cluster consisting of a focal Old European cut diamond, bordered by eight Dutch cut diamonds.
The silver setting extends across the interior portion of the wings, embellished with a a total of twelve indvidually set Dutch cut diamonds.
The brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and safety clip.
This stunning brooch is struck to the upper frame and pin with Portuguese hallmarks, including the maker's mark and the rooster mark**.
This impressive antique butterfly brooch is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
NOTE: * Contrary to what many people may think, the word "synthetic" does not mean fake when it comes to gemstones. In order for a material to be called "synthetic" it must have a natural counterpart. A synthetic ruby will have the same chemical composition as a natural ruby and therefore have an almost identical appearance to the naked eye. The first ruby formed by melting two smaller rubies together was in 1817, and the first microscopic crystals created from alumina in a laboratory in 1837. Common practice was to set and enhance fine quality antique jewellery with vibrant and colourful synthetic stones.
** The nature of the hallmark surround determines that the piece was processed in the Lisbon Assay Office, and the rooster mark was added during the assembly process to ensure the full hallmarks were included upon completion. The rooster mark was used between 1938-1984; this in addition to the composition of the brooch determines the piece to be crafted circa 1940.
Images do not always reflect the true colour and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone.
View our collection of antique butterfly jewellery at AC Silver.
