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Van Cleef & Arpels diamond brooch c1945-50. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

This Van Cleef & Arpels diamond brooch is among the leading lots at the James Adam auction of fine jewellery and watches in Dublin on September 10. It is designed as two elongated stylised leaves, both set with brilliant, baguette and tapered baguette-cut diamonds of 8.0 – 10 carats in total. Signed VCA it is mounted in platinum and 18 carat gold. There are French assay marks and a partial indistinct maker’s mark. The estimate is €35,000-€40,000. There are 220 lots in total in the sale.

THIS mystery set sapphire and diamond flower brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels made a hammer price of €110,000 at James Adam sale of Fine Jewellery and Watches in Dublin on September 13. Described by the auctioneers as rare and collectible it had been estimated at €30,000-€50,000. Patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933 the Mystery Setting “is a technique which allows the jeweller to model any form, any movement”. The apparently invisible mounting of the stones without visible claws or prongs creates an effect which makes them almost look as though they are floating.