An heirloom of the Belle Époque, this ca. 1910 brooch-pendant on chain glistens with history, its 110 old mine brilliant cut diamonds totalling approximately 8.14 carats. Fashioned from platinum it epitomises the era's opulence, its design inspired by the elegance of ribbon bows. The ingenuity of its convertible design, transforming from brooch to pendant, speaks of a time when innovation met beauty. Though its origins are cloaked in mystery, the piece is a palpable echo of the 'Beautiful Era', a time capsule of splendour and the zenith of craftsmanship. Antique jewelry object group combined brooch-pendant on chain Condition very good condition Country of origin unknown Style Belle Époque - The Belle Époque (French for "Beautiful Era") was a period in European social history that began during the late 19th century and lasted until World War I. Occurring during the time of the French Third Republic and the German Empire, the "Belle Époque" was named in retrospect, when it began to be considered a "golden age" the major powers of Europe, new technologies improved lives and the commercial arts adapted Renaissance and eighteenth-century styles to modern forms. In the newly rich United States, emerging from the Panic of 1873, the comparable epoch was dubbed the Gilded Age. In the United Kingdom, this epoch overlaps the end of what is called the Victorian Era there and the period named the Edwardian Era. Style specifics The Belle Époque (French for "Beautiful Era") was a period in European social history that began during the late 19th century from the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) and lasted until World War I (1914-18). Occurring during the time of the French Third Republic and the German Empire, the "Belle Époque" was named in retrospect, when it began to be considered a "golden age" the major powers of Europe, new technologies improved lives and the commercial arts adapted Renaissance and eighteenth-century styles to modern forms. In the newly rich United States, emerging from the Panic of 1873, the comparable epoch was dubbed the Gilded Age. In the United Kingdom, this epoch overlaps the end of what is called the Victorian Era there and the period named the Edwardian Era. In the Belle Époque cheap coal and cheap labour contributed to the cult of the orchid and made possible the perfection of fruits grown under glass, as the apparatus of state dinners extended to the upper classes; champagne was perfected during the Belle Époque. Exotic feathers and furs were more prominently featured in fashion than ever before, as haute couture was invented in Paris, the centre of the Belle Époque, where fashion began to move in a yearly cycle; in Paris restaurants such as Maxim's achieved a new splendour and cachet as places for the rich to parade, and the Opéra Garnier devoted enormous spaces to staircases as similar show places. After mid-century, railways linked all the major cities of Europe to spa towns like Biarritz and Deauville; their carriages were rigorously divided into first-class and second-class, but the super-rich now began to commission private railway coaches, as exclusivity was a hallmark of opulent luxury. Bohemian lifestyles gained a different glamour, pursued in the cabarets of Montmartre. Period ca. 1910 Source of inspiration ribbon bows Material platinum and 18K yellow gold (touchstone tested) Technique At the back of this jewel there is an ingenious screw system which allows you to simply change it from brooch to pendant on necklace and visa versa. Diamonds Two old mine brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 1.45ct Eight old mine brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 1.92ct 100 old mine brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 4.77ct Total diamond count 110 pcs. Total diamond weight approx. 8.14 crt with an average colour and clarity F/J, vs/si All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting. All diamonds we offer are screened by the I.J.G.C. for whether they are natural or synthetic, and all diamonds in this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural. Birthstones Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April. Hallmarks No trace. Dimensions brooch/pendant 4,70 cm (1,85 inch) x 6,00 cm (2,36 inch) length necklace 43 Weight 20,40 gram (13,12 dwt) Adin Reference Nº 22152-0220 - Accompanied by a professional report of authenticity for your peace of mind. - Shipped insured and registered for your security, though you're most welcome to collect in person. - For shipments outside the EU, import duties and other charges may apply. We advise checking this in advance. - We invite you to browse through our customer feedback to discover the level of satisfaction we consistently provide. - See more of our products, visit: https://auction.catawiki.com/lotsfrom/Adin - Antique and vintage jewellery often undergoes thoughtful refurbishment, remodelling, or repairs to enhance its longevity and wearability. Such pieces frequently bear marks of this tender care. Furthermore, we present our antique and vintage jewellery in its authentic state, refraining from removing scratches or applying rhodium plating to white gold items. Our priority is to preserve the genuine allure and history of each piece. However, as the new owner, you have the option to take it to a local goldsmith for a cosmetic refresh, should you choose.