SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND BRACELET, CIRCA 1900

Designed as a graduated series of cabochon sapphires each flanked by circular-cut diamonds, interspersed with links of gammadion design millegrain-set with circular-cut diamonds, length approximately 180mm.

Overall good condition, sapphires well matched medium deep blue, diamonds mixed colours and clarities, case by Harrods London S.W.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The gammadion, or rather tetra-gammadion is an ancient symbol also known as swastika which was used as a symbol of good luck, welfare, prosperity or victory.  In alchemy, the gammadion was used to symbolise the four cardinal corners of the world, as a symbol for good luck. 

The archaeological evidence of swastika shaped ornaments dates from the Neolithic period.  An ancient symbol, it occurs mainly in the cultures that are in modern day India and the surrounding area, sometimes as a geometrical motif (as in the Roman Republic and Empire) and sometimes as a religious symbol.  It was widely used in major world religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Though once commonly used all over the world without stigma, because of its iconic usage in Nazi Germany, the symbol has become controversial in the Western world.  The swastika, a holy symbol, is an equilateral cross with its arms bent at right angles, and on land the Nazi flag was right facing on both sides but at a 45 degree rotation.  Before the First World War the symbol was popular as a good luck charm with early aviators. 

Westerners whose family originates from India, including religions such as Jain, Hindu and other Indian religions, still use the swastika as a religious symbol, with no connection to Nazism. This example is left-facing.