Gold, lapis lazuli and diamond 'heart with cherub' brooch, 'heart , 1990

The lapis heart studded with round diamonds, surmounted by the sculpted gold bust of a cherub resting his chin in his hands, accented on the arms, wings and hair with small round diamonds, unsigned. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Verdura. Estimate 7,500—10,000 USD

NOTE: A similar heart brooch of pink tourmaline is illustrated by Patricia Corbett, Verdura, p. 118, lower left.

The heart motif, it's prototype dating back to the Renaissance, was one of Verdura's favorites and he returned to it often. Brooches designed as winged hearts, wrapped hearts or flaming hearts, in evidence since the late 1930s, are among Verdura's most enduring designs. One of the earliest versions, a heart brooch of cabochon rubies bound by a gold sash, was purchased by actor Tyrone Power. Gene Tierney, then married to designer Oleg Cassini, owned an example set with pink tourmalines, rubies and diamonds surmounted by a swag and crossed spears. See Corbett, p. 118

Sotheby's. Important Jewels. 04 Feb 09. New York www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's