Items Similar to Important Natural 23 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Necklace 1950s Provenance
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
Important Natural 23 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Necklace 1950s Provenance
About the Item
Important one-of-a-kind 23-carat Ceylon natural no-heat sapphire and diamond convertible necklace/brooch in platinum and White gold, Portuguese, circa 1957, crafted for an occasion graced by Queen Elizabeth II during her royal visit to Lisbon, accompanied by a custom-fitted case.
This exceptional and singular vintage jewel hails from the 1950s, an era of unrivaled elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. It boasts a transformative centerpiece crafted as a convertible necklace-brooch of unparalleled artistry. At its heart lies a resplendent round-shape natural Ceylon sapphire, a dazzling gem of remarkable rarity, weighing a remarkable 23.01 carats.
The centerpiece is an exquisite focal point, a dazzling spectacle adorned with a stylized floral cluster delicately adorned with round brilliant-cut and marquise brilliant-cut diamonds, further accentuated by smaller oval-shape sapphires. This captivating cluster extends gracefully on either side, adorned with delicate swags of alternating marquise brilliant-cut diamonds and oval-shape sapphires, culminating in a sublime sapphire and diamond cluster terminal, which transitions seamlessly into an articulated link necklace meticulously set with diamonds throughout. The versatility of this Mid-Century jewel is underscored by its capability to transform into a striking brooch, secured with a click-shut and safety catch fitting, further augmented by a hinged pin brooch fitting.
The exceptional 23-carat Ceylon sapphire stands as a testament to its rarity. Natural, non-heated sapphires of this caliber, especially surpassing 5 carats, are extraordinarily rare and highly sought-after, adding unparalleled allure and value to this piece.
This remarkable jewel's historical provenance is steeped in significance, commissioned to Casa Branca de Brito jewelers by a distinguished Portuguese Lady to grace an unforgettable dinner gala with Queen Elizabeth II during her momentous royal visit to Portugal in February 1957. The Lady's identity remains confidential, adding an air of mystique to this illustrious piece.
A timeless testament to sophistication and peerless artistry, this extraordinary treasure transcends time, embodying enduring elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship. An heirloom of unparalleled significance and beauty.
Sapphire:
Circular mixed-cut; 23.01 carats (known unmounted weight); accompanied by GCS report (“certificate”) #79216-91 stating it weighs 23.01 carats, originated from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), natural with no indications of heating; the report contains the note “Non-heated sapphires are scarce” – and this scarcity is even more prominent is stones above 5 carats.
Provenance:
This jewel was commissioned to Casa Branca de Brito jewelers to be worn by a Portuguese Lady at a dinner gala with Queen Elizabeth II on her royal visit to Portugal, in February 1957. The Lady’s identity will remain confidential.
Dimensions: 39cm (necklace); 5cm (brooch). Gross weight: 53.9g.
This item is in good condition, with marks and scratches consistent with general age and wear. Antique, period and vintage pieces, both signed and unsigned, are being offered as worn. Unless otherwise stated, all weights and quality factors have been graded as mounting permitted and using classic gemology and standard gemological equipment and might slightly differ from the assessments provided by other gemologists. Assessments related to period of manufacture or geographic origin of gemstones are expert opinions and may differ from the assessments provided by other professionals. Colors in the pictures/videos might slightly differ from the colors in real life. When certificated stones are being offered, the certificate or report will be mentioned. For additional information or clarification, please get in touch and our in-house team of expert GIA Graduate Gemologists and Registered Appraisers/Valuers will be happy to help.
Upon request, every item sold by Espadim 1985 will be accompanied by a complimentary valuation, which you can use for insurance, authenticity and reference and safekeeping purposes; this will contain a detailed description, technical information and photographic records of the item.
GENERAL NOTES: We are members of the following associations: Watch Trader Association (WTA), Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Alumni, Associação dos Peritos Avaliadores Oficiais de Ourivesaria e Joalharia (APAOINCM), Associação Portuguesa dos Antiquários (APA) and International Federation of Art and Antique Dealer Associations (CINOA).
- Creator:Branca de Brito
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Weight:53.9 g
- Dimensions:Width: 1.97 in (50 mm)Length: 15.36 in (390 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1957
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Lisbon, PT
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 1985
1stDibs seller since 2020
24 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Lisbon, Portugal
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- 1950s Ceylon Natural Sapphire Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings Platinum White Gold.Located in Lisbon, PT1950s Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings in Platinum and White Gold, Portuguese. Each earring is designed as a circular sapphire and round brilliant-cut diamond cluste...Category
Vintage 1950s Portuguese Modern Drop Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
- Certified 40 Carat Natural Unheated Ceylon Yellow Sapphire Diamond Cocktail RingLocated in Lisbon, PTCertified 40-carat natural unheated Ceylon (Sri Lankan) yellow sapphire, ruby and diamond cluster cocktail ring in 14kt yellow gold. Made in an unusual warm alloy that is in between ...Category
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- 1950s/1960s Royal Blue Sapphire Diamond Cluster Earrings Platinum Gold FrenchLocated in Lisbon, PTMid-Century Royal Blue oval sapphire and round brilliant-cut diamond cluster clip-on earrings in platinum and 18kt white gold, French import marks, 1950s/1960s. Each of the earrings features an oval sapphire of a royal blue color in an open-back claw setting, surrounded by two tiered rows of similarly-set round brilliant-cut diamonds of an incredible sparkle. These jewels are secured to reverse with a post and omega clip fitting. Sapphires: 2 stones; 5.50 carats (approximately 12.83 x 9.23 x 5.64 mm) and 5.33 carats (approximately 12.59 x 8.87 x 5.79 mm); roval mixed-cut; royal blue color (assessed). Diamonds: estimated 11 carats in total; F-H color (assessed); VVS-VS clarity (assessed). French control mark “mascaron” (used 1926-present) for imported platinum; French hallmark “owl” (used 1893-1984) for imported gold. Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.0 cm. Gross weight: 25.8g. This item is in good condition, with marks and scratches consistent with general age and wear. Antique, period and vintage pieces, both signed and unsigned, are being offered as worn. Unless otherwise stated, all weights and quality factors have been graded as mounting permitted and using classic gemology and standard gemological equipment and might slightly differ from the assessments provided by other gemologists. Assessments related to period of manufacture or geographic origin of gemstones are expert opinions and may differ from the assessments provided by other professionals. Colors in the pictures/videos might slightly differ from the colors in real life. When certificated stones are being offered, the certificate or report will be mentioned. For additional information or clarification, please get in touch and our in-house team of expert GIA Graduate Gemologists and Registered Appraisers/Valuers will be happy to help. Upon request, every item sold by Espadim 1985...Category
Vintage 1950s French Modern Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsBlue Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
- Oval Ceylon Sapphire Round Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring White GoldLocated in Lisbon, PTA contemporary oval sapphire and round brilliant-cut diamond three-stone engagement ring in 19.2kt white gold. This ring features an oval mixed-cut color-change sapphire claw-set to ...Category
2010s Portuguese Contemporary Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Boucheron Mid-Century Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring White GoldBy BoucheronLocated in Lisbon, PTBoucheron Mid-Century Ceylon sapphire and round brilliant-cut diamond cluster engagement ring in 18kt white gold, France, 1950s/1960s. A creation by the first of the main contemporar...Category
Vintage 1950s French Modern Engagement Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Mid-Century Diamond Blue Sapphire Ballerina Cocktail Ring Platinum 1950s/1960sLocated in Lisbon, PTMid-Century diamond and dark blue sapphire cocktail ring in platinum, Europe, 1950s/1960s. This ring features an elongated cushion-shape dark blue sapphire claw-set to the center and...Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
You May Also Like
- Important Cushion Cut Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum NecklaceBy Diamond Scene New YorkLocated in New York, NYAn incredible piece! 75.50 carats of beautiful Intense to Vivid Blue cushion cut sapphires, including a 17.48 carat cushion cut drop. 45.13 carats of diamonds, all set in platinum...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Platinum
- Natural Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Gold NecklaceLocated in New York, NYNatural Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Gold Necklace Sapphire set along side four rows of Beautiful Baguettes AGL Certified Approx Sapphire Weigh...Category
Vintage 1970s American Choker Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
- 1950s Important Sapphire Diamond Drop NecklaceLocated in New York, NYAn important cabochon Sapphire & Diamond drop necklace, the centerpiece being detachable to be worn as a brooch. Made in France, circa 1950.Category
Vintage 1950s French Drop Necklaces
MaterialsBlue Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum
- Important Sapphire and Diamond NecklaceLocated in New York, NYSapphire and Diamond Necklace with 21.1 ct of Sapphires and 17.8 ct of Brilliant cut Diamonds set on 18k White Gold Sapphire Weight: 21.10 Cts Diamond Weight: 17.80 Cts Measurements...Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Drop Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Yellow Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLA natural yellow Ceylon sapphire diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The necklace is beautifully finished in 18kt yellow gold foll...Category
20th Century American Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Important Retro Diamond Statement Necklace with 39 Carat Cabochon SapphireLocated in New York, NYA stunning bib necklace in white gold centering a 39.4 carat blue cabochon sapphire framed by 50 carats of round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds. Circa 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s Retro Drop Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, White Gold