NARDI. A Ruby, Diamond and Cultured Pearl Blackamoor Brooch. Photo Philips de Pury & Company

Designed as a blackamoor with acarved ebony head, wearing a textured and braided gold turban with ruby-set star motif and a circular-cut diamond, the top set with a triangular faceted garnet, with collet-set diamond ear pendants, to the shield-shaped tunic decorated with circular-cut rubies and a circular-cut diamond and cultured pearl trim, mounted in 18K rose gold, length 2 1/4 inches.  Signed 'G Nardi'. ESTIMATE $7,500-9,000 - SOLD AT $9,375

Philips de Pury & Company. Jewels. New York. 6 december 2011 www.phillipsdepury.com