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Brooch

ca. 1930 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Dense concentrations of precious stones were characteristic of the jewellery of the 1920s and 1930s. They were ranked together in geometric patterns and held by the most delicate and discreet platinum settings. This brooch is based on stylised naturalistic ornament, suggesting perhaps water or foliage.

The faceted white diamonds, both brilliant and baguette-cut, contrast with the cabochon emeralds. These emeralds, like the form of the diamond motifs, suggest an Eastern influence. The jewel can be worn either as a brooch, or with the frame detached, as a flexible pendant.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brooch or pendant of platinum composed of tiers set with brilliant and baguette cut diamonds and two cabochon emeralds
Brief description
Brooch or pendant, platinum set with diamonds. French, ca. 1930.
Physical description
When image is correctly orientated: bottom left.
Brooch or pendant. Platinum, composed of tiers set with brilliant and baguette cut diamonds, rising from (or descending beneath, according to use) two loops, one centered by a cabochon emerald. Another cabochon emerald is mounted at the pendant catch.
Dimensions
  • Length: 11.5cm
  • Width: 3.4cm
Style
Marks and inscriptions
Marked on gallery: lozenge containing VP with crossed arrows and French standard marks for platinum (dog's head twice)
Credit line
The Bettine, Lady Abingdon Collection. Bequeathed by Mrs T. R. P. Hole
Object history
From the collection of Bettine, Lady Abingdon.
Summary
Dense concentrations of precious stones were characteristic of the jewellery of the 1920s and 1930s. They were ranked together in geometric patterns and held by the most delicate and discreet platinum settings. This brooch is based on stylised naturalistic ornament, suggesting perhaps water or foliage.

The faceted white diamonds, both brilliant and baguette-cut, contrast with the cabochon emeralds. These emeralds, like the form of the diamond motifs, suggest an Eastern influence. The jewel can be worn either as a brooch, or with the frame detached, as a flexible pendant.
Bibliographic references
  • 'Jewels and Jewellery' Clare Phillips, V&A Publications, 2000
  • 'The Bettine, Lady Abingdon Collection' Sarah Medlam, V&A Publications, 1996
Collection
Accession number
M.140-1987

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Record createdJanuary 24, 2003
Record URL
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