Late Qing
The antique Chinese tourmaline carvings depicting a pair of birds, perhaps magpies, on a gourd, a symbol of mystery, longevity and used as an amulet. The pair of magpies representing double happiness.
Tourmalines: Each measuring 32mm by 15mm by 7mm, each approximately 27.5 carats, 55 TCW; Highly transparent, of bright pink colour with good saturation, shows typical minor natural inclusions and fissures under 10X magnification and not easily seen with unaided eye.
Diamonds: H-I, VS, Baguette and Old European cut, approximately 1.25 TCW
Length: 2.57 inches
Width: .57 inches
Striking Art Deco period diamond white gold settings accent the delicately carved vibrant pink tourmalines often refered to as Rubellite. In the 1920's, popularized by Cartier, the combination of carved gemstones with Art Deco style diamond settings led to the design know as Tutti Frutti. Juxtposition of stylized linear motifs of the diamonds and the sinuously flowing shapes of the carved gems form a beautifully balanced elegant design.
Pink tourmalines were favorites of the Empress Dowager...
Category
19th Century Chinese Art Deco Antique Tourmaline Drop Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Tourmaline, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold