Emerald and diamond brooch, 1920s

Of stylised giardinetto open work design, centring on a pear-shaped emerald highlighted with circular- and single-cut diamonds. Est. 45,000—60,000 CHF

Note:  Mrs Edith Deuchar pictured in the photograph wearing the emerald and diamond brooch was married to Alexander Deuchar who was the founder of the Scottish and Newcastle Brewers. He was a direct descendent of Alexander Deuchar (1777-1844) who was a seal engraver and Lyon herald at the Court of the Lord Lyon, the authority for heraldry in Scotland. He revived the templar tradition in Scotland in the early 19th century in order to establish a new form of chivalry.

The Deuchar family can trace their origin to a second son of Gilchrist, the great Earl of Angus; but no documentary proof of their existence can be had till the year 1369, when Sir Alexander Lindsay of Glenesk granted a charter of the lands to William de Deuhqwhyr of that Ilk, as heir to his father. It is therefore evident that the Deuchars were vassals of the Lindsays at that period; and, in all probability, they had also been the same under the Montealtos, from whom the feudal superiority had most likely passed with the owner-ship of the barony of Fern in 1379.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels And A Celebration of Taste and , Magnificent Jewels from a Private Collection. 12 May 09. Geneva www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's.