Breathtaking Butterfly Set with Gemstones in Gold, as a Brooch, Pendant

As a motif in jewelry, the butterfly has a long tradition. Especially since the second half of the 19th century, when interest in natural history and enthusiasm for the forms found in nature had a lasting influence on jewelry design, butterflies ranked among the most popular motifs alongside bees, dragonflies, beetles, and flies. The naturalism of late Historicism, Art Nouveau, and later Art Deco repeatedly drew inspiration from the butterfly. In the 1980s, the motif experienced a resurgence We were particularly delighted that this breathtaking butterfly, of all things, found its way to us here in Berlin. We were able to acquire it from a significant private collection in Stuttgart. Its extraordinary craftsmanship makes it an impressive example of high-quality goldsmithing from around 1990. Emeralds, sapphires, and rubies lend the body and wings their vibrant colors, while more than thirteen carats of diamonds cover nearly every surface of the insect. Particularly captivating is the varied play of colours in the diamonds, ranging from colorless white to warm brown tones and intense yellow. The nuanced distribution of the gemstones lends the butterfly a remarkable natural realism and makes the pattern on its wings stand out vividly. The butterfly is also exceptionally versatile. A pin on the back allows it to be worn as a brooch, and a large, foldable eyelet enables it to be used as a pendant. The piece of jewellery is complemented by a removable chain made of gold and green agate, so that the butterfly can also be worn as a necklace. Thanks to its rich color palette, the piece can be paired with nearly any summery hue. It is equally striking against dark fabrics, against which the colored gemstones and the vibrant play of colours from the diamonds stand out particularly impressively. An independent gemmological report confirms the quality and authenticity of the materials used. For dating, see, for example, David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, *i* *Understanding Jewelry* , London 2010, p. 471.

Estimate:£24,455.08

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