Lot 511. Emerald and diamond brooch, Bulgari, circa 1970. Estimate 190,000 — 280,000 CHF. Lot sold 278,500 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's 2012

Designed as a flower, the centre set with a cabochon emerald, the petals set with brilliant-cut diamonds of near colourless and yellow tint, signed Bulgari, case by Bulgari.

Literature: Cf: Amanda Triossi, 'Bulgari: 125 years of Italian Magnificence, Grand Palais', pages 155 and 339 for a similar example of this brooch by Bulgari.

Note: This is an example of one of the ‘flower’ brooches created by Bulgari between 1968 and 1970.  These jewels are remarkable for not only their size and three dimensional quality, but also for their naturalistic rendition.