Diamond brooch, Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co, 1910s

The rectangular plaque of open work scroll design decorated with circular-cut and rose diamonds, signed to the reverse B.B & B and numbered , later brooch pin, case stamped The Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co.

Signed BBCoB and numbered 41137, later brooch pin to reverse, probably originally part of a necklace later adapted to a brooch, diamonds bright and lively with mixed colours and clarities estimated approximately 2.00-3.00 carats, J-K, Vs-Si on average.
"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."

By the late 19th century, Bailey Banks & Biddle was firmly established as one of the pre-eminent American jewellers. The Pennsylvania Historical Review of 1886 describes the company as “one of two leading establishments of the kind in the United States. As manufacturing jewellers and diamond mounters, no house in the United States has achieved a higher reputation. Bailey Banks & Biddle’s inventory includes the rarest and choicest gems, watches, jewellery, the rarest first water brilliants, matched stones and diamonds from ½ to 20 carats. They also manufacture silverware and sell imported bronzes, the choicest Sevres, marble statuary, original and reproductions of famous masterpieces, paintings and curios. Finally, they also produce stationary, wedding invitations, ball programs, dinner menus, visiting cards, initials, crests and monograms.”

At the beginning of the 20th century, Bailey Banks & Biddle remained the jeweller to America’s great families, including  Mrs. Woodrow Wilson who purchased a brooch on April 30, 1902, that she wore as First Lady in 1913.

In 1904  Bailey Banks & Biddle created the updated and final version of the Great Seal of the United States used to officially seal over 2,000 documents a year. While in 1905 they produced the modern day Medal of Honour, America’s highest military award, awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in actual combat against an armed enemy force."