A coral, abalone pearl, diamond and gold blackamoor brooch, by Cartier. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

Designed as a blackamoor with a carved ebony head, wearing a circular-cut diamond and gold head-dress and ear pendants, to the pear-shaped abalone pearl shield with coral and circular-cut diamond trim, with coral and gold spears, mounted in 18k gold, with French assay marks and maker's mark. Signed Cartier, Paris, no. 020411. Estimate: $12,000 – $18,000

Christie's. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 16 April 2014, New York, Rockefeller Plaza -www.christies.com