Diamond brooch, Late 18th Century

Depicting a saint esprit, set with rose diamonds in a closed back setting, the reverse inscribed with the initials 'FM', later brooch pin to reverse.

Cf: Ginny Redington Dawes and Olivia Collings, ‘Georgian Jewellery 1714-1830’, Suffolk 2007, page 150, for a similar example of this brooch.

Mounted in silver and gold. Diamonds of mixed colours and clarities, bright and lively. Engraved to reverse 'FM'. Abrasions and slight tarnish to mount consistent with age and wear, later brooch pin to reverse and old gold repair to reverse of foliate branch. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A similar example of a diamond saint esprit from the 18th Century can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum given by Dame Joan Evans.