Magnificent Earrings with 9.70 ct Diamonds, Mariage, c. 1900/1990

When it comes to natural diamonds, no two are alike: They were formed hundreds of millions of years ago deep within the Earth, and each crystal has its own unique color nuances and inclusion patterns. Then comes the cut, through which diamond cutters coax a dazzling display of light reflections from what is essentially an unassuming rough crystal. Diamond cutting is an art whose subtleties reveal, not least, the period in history when a diamond was faceted. This pair of earrings features 9.70 ct of diamonds and, with its sparkling brilliance and striking size, makes an impressive and glamorous impression at first glance. The centerpiece of each earring is a roughly three-carat brilliant-cut diamond, surrounded—like a blossom—by a frame of smaller brilliant-cut diamonds. But it is not just their stunning appearance that makes this a pair for diamond lovers. It is fascinating because it represents a successful juxtaposition of two related cuts: our modern round brilliant cut and its direct predecessor, the old European cut. The upper diamond “blossoms” were created c. 1900 and were not supplemented by the large, magnificent lower “blossoms” until toward the end of that same century. Under a magnifying glass, the different proportions of the old and new cuts become apparent, though to the naked eye they form a harmonious whole. At the same time, both elements were matched with a true love for detail: For instance, the center stones of both the old and new elements share a very delicate, warm hue that poetically complements the daisy motif. Even the settings of the new elements feature milgrains, as was customary at the turn of the century. Presumably, the lower parts were custom-made to complement the antique upper parts — possibly heirlooms. The earrings come with an external laboratory appraisal. They came to us from an important German private collection.

Estimate:£59,443.11

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