Diamond brooch, first half of 19th Century - Photo Sotheby's

Of floral design, set with pear-, cushion-shaped, circular-cut and rose diamonds, the flower head set en tremblant, originally part of a larger jewel, later pin fitting. Estimation: 4,000 - 6,000 GBP. Lot. Vendu 21,250 GBP

NOTE DE CATALOGUE: During the 19th century there was a growing interest in the natural world through the study of nature, botany and the influence of romantic poetry including that of William Wordsworth. Jewelled flowers and foliage were very popular due to their beauty and also their wearability. Larger pieces such as tiaras, were able to be dismantled into several smaller parts including brooches. Earlier pieces were delicate, with more stylised designs and later compositions became more complex and with more realistic depictions of flowers, leaves and insects. Designs might even encorporate flowers that were fashionable at the time or those that could convey romantic messages; ivy for fidelity and the forget-me-not for true love. Towards the Mid 19th century jewels included movement by being set en tremblant, as with this example, jewels were set on a spring and would quiver when the wearer moved.

Sotheby's. The Jewellery Collection of the Late Michael Wellby: An Eclectic Eye - Jewels Spanning Four Centuries. London | 11 déc. 2012 www.sothebys.com