Precious versatility - devant de corsage / brooch and two pendants, circa 1860

 

Auctioned at Sotheby's Geneva in May of 2025, the lot description mentioned nothing more than the pearl being natural, saltwater; the emerald being Columbian; and that the devant de corsage / brooch was from an "Important Private Collection." It was given a date of circa 1860, but no country of origin or possible maker was mentioned. There was this catalogue note: The brooch possesses extraordinary characteristics that merit special mention and appreciation. Assembling a natural pearl and an emerald in a brooch of such impressive antique design can be considered rare and exceptional.