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Lot 8561
Rare Natural Oriental Pearl and Diamond Brooch
3 December 2006, 11:00 PST
Los AngelesSold for US$16,132.50 inc. premium
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Find your local specialistRare Natural Oriental Pearl and Diamond Brooch
In the style of Renaissance and Revival courtly jewels incorporating rare pearls, the present, unusual brooch is designed as a swan. The body of the waterfowl is formed of a very large and rare baroque natural Oriental pearl from the Gulf of Persia, the finest known locality for pearls. Due to over-fishing and pollution such pearls are rarely found now and can only be obtained through purchasing estate jewelry. Formed in a saltwater mollusk, baroque pearls are those that have grown in muscular tissue. The present pearl has a lovely pink orient and fine luster. Mounted in 18K white gold the head, neck and feathers are pavè-set with diamonds, and accented with black enamel, sapphire cabochon eyes and a 18K yellow gold beak, signed EW & Co, English hallmarks for 18K gold.
Footnotes
Accompanied by a copy of a GIA report numbered 1916146, dated July 27, 1982, stating Natural Pearl, baroque, weighing approximately 119.20 grains or 29.8 carats (4 grains equal one carat).

