Gold and Palladium, Diamond, Pearl and Ruby “Insect” Brooch

Gold and Palladium, Diamond, Pearl and Ruby "Insect" Brooch

 

The vintage, yellow and white gold brooch is in the shape of a flying insect, similar to a bee. It has spread, open-work wings, a yellow gold head set with ruby eyes (circa 0.02ct total), a yellow gold hemisphere thorax, and a pearl abdomen (round, 6.5mm diameter, cultured, saltwater pearl; no significant imperfections; golden-cream coloured with rose overtones; very good lustre). The wings (which are set into a yellow gold surround) are made of white gold, which is finely engraved, beaded and pierced and set with 14 small round-cut diamonds (circa 0.20ct total). The brooch is unmarked but has been electronically tested and this shows that wings are 85% palladium; the thorax is 14ct gold and the balance of the yellow gold is 9ct gold.

Palladium is a platinum group metal, which is used in jewellery, including in the production of white gold, and currently has a value about 30% higher than pure gold. Thus, about double that of 18ct gold.

 

Weight                                    6.8g

Age                                         Circa 1950

Dimensions                             32mm x 22.5mm

Condition                                Excellent

Stock Code                             AJ941A