A late Victorian sapphire and diamond insect brooch

A late Victorian sapphire and diamond insect brooch

Description

A late Victorian sapphire and diamond bee brooch, the thorax set with a cushion-shaped mixed-cut sapphire weighing 2.06 carats, accompanied by GCS report stating to be of Sri Lankan origin with no indication of heating, the head set with an old cushion-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.35 carats, assessed to be of G-H colour and SI clarity with two cabochon-cut ruby-set eyes, the abdomen and wings embellished with rose-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 1 carat in total, all set in silver and gold mount, with realistically carved gold legs and gold brooch fitting, circa 1890, measuring approximately 4.5×3 cm, gross weight 8.1 grams.