Sea Spray : Midcentury Statement Brooch with 18 Carat Aquamarine and Diamonds in Palladium

Glittering like sunlight on the ocean, the crystal clear aquamarine is an absolutely heart stoppingly huge gem, celebrated by ribbons and tendrils of palladium set with just under a carat of top quality round brilliant diamonds. Luxurious high fashion from the mid 20th Century, circa 1940. The centrepiece is the 18 carat rectangular cut natural aquamarine, surrounded by dynamic sprays of brilliant cut diamonds. This statement brooch would have been worn at elegant afternoon or evening gatherings, pinned to a tailored jacket. Future you will sing your praises for being so astute in collecting this iconic gem when you had the opportunity. Aquamarines of this size are now hard to find and much sought after (thank you Princess Diana) and despite palladium being the ultimate white metal – it never tarnishes and is brighter than platinum – it has been co-oped for use in the tech industry. With the current decline in fashion of brooches (although a revival is surely inevitable) brooches such as this are routinely broken down for their components. It would be an absolute crime to disassemble this classic midcentury jewel – while it does come with an insurance valuation, the truth of the matter is today you’d never be able to have one made like it. This brooch comes with a recent retail replacement insurance valuation for $15,100 Australian Dollars. Manufacture:  Handmade in 90% palladium. There are no hallmarks present, the metal content has been verified by XRF test. The natural aquamarine is of medium intensity and mid aquamarine blue and eye clean . It is rectangular cut with cut corners (similar to an emerald cut) and measures 17.35mm x 14.5mm – approximately 18 carats. Set into a four claw setting. The ribbons and tendrils are set with natural round brilliant cut diamonds: Eleven 1.8 – 2.3mm diameter G-I colour, Vs-Si clarity, approximately 0.38 carats. Twenty two 1.7 – 2mm diameter G-I colour, Vs-Si clarity, approximately 0.55 carats. The total combined diamond carat weight is approximately 0.93 carat. The brooch fastens with a fold over pin and roll-over safety catch. Measures 43.42mm x 31.43mm x 11.77mm (not including the pin and clasp). Weighs 11.72 grams. Condition: Excellent vintage condition with no faults to note. Ready for immediate wear.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Aurelia | Secret Histories �� Antique & Vintage Jewellery (@secret_histories)