Antique Crescent Brooch With Old Cut Diamonds in Silver on Gold, c. 1890

Silver moonlight winds are blowing, Softly o'er the summer sea, Lovely stars in beauty glowing, Gently watching o'er ray love and me, Now we'll wander, since the sunlight Has to sleep his mantle thrown, Love's bewitching in the moonlight Care and trouble now begone... (Silver Moonlight Winds by John P. Ordway, 1858) Moonlight has long been associated with silver. Therefore, on works of German silversmiths of the late 19th century, we even find a crescent hallmark when it comes to confirming the authenticity of silver. And here too, in the brooch at hand, it is silver that lends the crescent moon its cool hue. 89 diamonds totaling about 2.93 ct bathe the crescent moon in their white light. They are shaped in old cuts, the cushion-shaped old mine cut as well as the even older rose cut. Their arrangement along the outer edge is reminiscent of the drapery of a precious fabric, adding depth to the design. The red gold mounting with brooch pin on the reverse can be unscrewed. At one time, a replaceable hairpin probably still belonged to the glittering moon. We were able to discover the beautiful piece in Vienna.

Estimate:$5,940.45

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