Diamond and coloured diamond brooch, early 20th century

Designed as a foliate spray the petals set with marquise-shaped diamonds of pink and near colourless tints, the stamen and stem set with pear-shaped, circular-cut and rose diamonds.

Cf: John Loring, "Tiffany Diamonds", Harry N. Abrams, Inc, 2005, page 95, for illustrations of archive drawings of Tiffany jewels incorporating fancy coloured diamonds.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2165240345, stating that the diamond weighing 0.37 carats is Light Pink, SI1 Clarity; report no. 1162240347, stating that the diamond weighing 0.36 carats is Fancy Light Purplish Pink, I1 Clarity; and report no. 2165240332, stating that the diamond weighing 0.33 carats is Fancy Brownish Pink, SI1 Clarity. Remaining diamonds weighing approximately 0.80 - 1.30 carats, estimated colour H-J, estimated clarity VS on average, one stone I. Scratches to mount consistent with age and wear. In good condition.
"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."

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2165240345, stating that the diamond weighing 0.37 carats is Light Pink, SI1 Clarity; report no. 1162240347, stating that the diamond weighing 0.36 carats is Fancy Light Purplish Pink, I1 Clarity; and report no. 2165240332, stating that the diamond weighing 0.33 carats is Fancy Brownish Pink, SI1 Clarity.

The use of pink diamonds in antique jewels is extremely rare and seldom encountered. Before the discovery of the Argyle diamond mines in Australia, pink diamonds were infrequently found. The historic Golconda region and the interior of Brazil were the principle source, yielding very small sporadic quantities. Towards the end of the 19^th century very small quantities of pink diamonds were discovered by prospectors searching for gold in the North Western region of Australia, but it was not until the late 1970s that samples were found in the floodplain of a river that flowed in Lake Argyle, leading to the discovery of the Argyle pipe in 1979.