An exceptionally beautiful and wonderfully versatile antique diamond bow, dating to the late Victorian or very early Edwardian period, circa 1895-1905.
 
The statement, generously proportioned bow is formed from two sweeping, diamond-set loops gathered beneath a central diamond knot. Two rare articulated ribbons fall freely below, each graduating to a large old European-cut diamond suspended within a Georgian-style setting. The individual sections move beautifully when worn, allowing the diamonds to catch the light from every angle.
 
The piece is set throughout with an estimated 5.25 carats of antique-cut diamonds. The collection of hand-cut stones displays all the wonderfully individual characteristics associated with antique diamonds: some have more pronounced old mine-cut cushion shapes, many display traditional old European-cut characteristics, while others dance somewhere between an old European and an early transitional cut, with lower crowns, broader tables and chunky, irregular faceting. All retain the coveted open culets and distinctive hand-cut personality we love in antique diamonds.
 
The diamonds are bright, lively and remarkably well-matched in colour throughout, producing an incredible amount of sparkle in both daylight and evening light. As expected of a jewel of this age, some stones display natural inclusions and minor age-related wear, including occasional tiny girdle nibbles visible under magnification, but nothing that detracts from the beauty or impact of the piece when worn.
 
The diamonds are set into a silver front above a yellow-gold reverse, a traditional construction used to enhance the whiteness and brilliance of diamonds before platinum became widely available. The reverse framework, brooch pin and fittings test as approximately 9ct gold, while the two pendant hooks test as approximately 15ct gold.
 
Designed with versatility in mind, this incredible jewel may be worn traditionally as a statement brooch or suspended from a chain using the discreet hooks to the reverse. For a more unexpected look, it can also be threaded between chain links or to connect two chains, allowing the bow to sit at the centre of a layered antique neck mess.
 
A rare, romantic and highly wearable statement jewel, combining exceptional movement, scale and antique diamond sparkle.