Floral Brooch with Old Cut Diamonds in Palladium, c. 1940

When is a ray of hope more precious than in dark times? Figuratively speaking, this brooch was once such a ray of light – literally speaking, it still is, as it shines white in the brilliant fire of fine old European cut diamonds. It was created during a particularly dark period of history: during WWII. A hand engraving on the back of the brooch gives an indication of this history: "PALLADIUM" is written here in capital letters. This metal was already known to the jewellery industry in the 1920s as a possible replacement for the popular and very expensive platinum, but was rarely used. It was only when war broke out in 1939 and platinum was needed for war purposes that palladium was briefly used in jewellery. After 1945, solid platinum jewellery returned to the displays of jewellers' stores. This story is also told by the diamonds themselves, which are of varying quality and shaped in different historical cuts: Anyone who had a new piece of jewellery made during the war years often resorted to diamonds from heirlooms, as the trade was interrupted. A total of around 3.35 ct of diamonds shine in cuts dating from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. The brooch's dynamic, stylized design is reminiscent of the floral designs of Indian fabrics, which may have served as inspiration. An unusual piece that tells of hope and the healing effect of beauty.

Estimate:£7,211.66

View all items fromHofer AntikschmuckorJewellery & Gems