DATE: Art Deco, c.1920

An exceptional carved jade brooch dating from the Art Deco period, circa 1920, although the jade itself is older, Chinese origin, likely carved in mid 19th century. The craftsmanship is exceptional, characterised by opium poppies and foliage. It's set in a platinum mount with diamond and milligrain "asterisks" at the top and bottom.

After the Qing court was dissolved in 1912, many articles ended up in the USA and Europe, and were incorporated into new pieces of jewellery such as this one. By the 1920s, Western design houses began incorporating carved coral, jade, lapis, and other semi-precious stones into their designs, meaning that although stylistically they're far from being Deco, they have become associated with this movement.

STONES 

Jade & Diamond

MEASUREMENTS

5.0 x 1.6cm 

WEIGHT 

9.5g

MARKS 

Tests as platinum. Numbered 3272

CONDITION 

Very good, light wear commensurate with age