An antique natural pearl and diamond devant-de-corsage brooch. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013

Designed as an old-cut diamond bow, centering upon a detachable cluster set with a button-shaped natural pearl, measuring approximately 17.0 x 13.6 mm, in an old-cut diamond surround, and suspending a detachable old-cut diamond line and drop-shaped natural pearl pendant, measuring approximately 14.3-14.4 x 21.5 mm, mounted in silver and gold, mid 19th Century, 11.0 cm, in blue velvet fitted S.J. Phillips case. Estimate CHF550,000 – CHF750,000

Accompanied by report no. 67343 dated 22 March 2013 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the two pearls are natural saltwater pearls, and an Appendix letter for an 'Exceptional Antique Pearl Brooch'. 

Provenance: Acquired from S.J. Phillips by the present owner in 2000.

Christie's. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS. 15 May 2013. Geneva