This thoroughly delightful and exceptionally rare diamond and conch pearl brooch, circa 1890 - 1900, is large in scale but utterly graceful with its fluid lines and movement. Masterfully hand fabricated in silver over 18K gold, this late Victorian / early Edwardian brooch depicts a spray of pink conch pearl buds amongst curvaceous sparkling diamond-set leaves.
Conch Pearls: Accompanied by a gemological report from GIA stating (for largest pearl) natural saltwater conch pearl (17.37 x 13.41 mm)
Measures 3 1/2" x 1 5/8" wide. Three smaller: light pink on left 8.19 x 6.80 mm, peach 7.21 x 4.06 mm, bottom light pink 7.46 x 5.58 mm
Weight: 29.4 grams
Diamonds: estimated 3.06 total carats of old mine cut and single -cut diamonds, SI1 - I1 range in clarity, smaller diamonds H-I range in color, largest three are warmer
Notes: There is one place that was reinforced with a laser that has separated - located above the largest conch pearl
To appreciate their uniqueness, here are a few facts about conch pearls:
Queen Conch live in groups in the shallow waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The conch pearl is a completely natural phenomenon created with no intervention from man, making them rare and desirable.
There is a range in numbers regarding the rarity of conch pearls but some sources state only one in 2,000 shells harvested holds a pearl, one in 10,000 contains a conch pearl that can be used in jewelry; and one in 100,000 holds a gem-quality piece. Pearls over 10 carats are rare but have been found as large as 100 carats.
Conch pearls are found in a variety of colors, pink being the most desirable.The finest examples display a vibrant wave-like "flame" like structure visible to the naked eye. This "flame" is caused by the formation of calcite microcrystalline fibres in concentric layers just below the surface.
Unlike oyster pearls, conch pearls are non-nacreous, meaning they are not made of nacre and don't display the same iridescent lustre. They do however have the same chemical composition.
The Queen Conch is now considered an endangered species and listed in Appendix II of the CITES (Convention for the International Trade on Endangered Species). This is due to over fishing and poaching to meet the unprecedented demand for conch meat, as well as habitat degradation - such as loss of nursery habitats like shallow-water sea grass meadows. Restrictions and bans have been placed on fishing in many countries, including the US State of Florida, Bermuda, Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Virgin Islands and Antilles.
This J E Caldwell piece is gorgeous and will become a necklace soon. I appreciate the "size" info on the site because everything always looks huge. It was in my hands from FedEx two days after order. A happy customer! E
I couldn't be happier - what a stunning and beautiful stone and setting. All around PERFECT transaction from a friendly and professional seller. Thank you!!!
The seller of this exquisite carved-face moonstone and diamonds ring has been very helpful and communicative. I needed the ring sized to fit me, and she saw to it that the work and delivery were expedited! The ring itself is truly a work of art; it’s so beautiful, I keep staring it!
Absolutely gorgeous ring and my husband loves it! I wanted to keep it, but he is in love with it and such great service and wrapping! Thank you!
Sehr schöne antike Ohrringe! Dankeschön
Shipping was very quick and my ring was as I expected. Thank you
This set is even nicer in person
Really beautiful and in wonderful condition
Absolutely stunning!! In amazing condition too. Lindsey is wonderful to work with. Overall, I couldn't be happier.
Wonderful ring! I’ve had my eye on this piece for quite a while. It is in perfect condition. I just love these old French cut diamonds. Shipping was SO fast!
Pretty earrings, just as described, green chalcedony matches nicely to green jade.
The perfect moonstone ring in the perfect size. Great match with my moonstone snowflake earrings! Fast shipping. Seller responds quickly.
Great experience. Beautiful item. Would buy again
Fast and exactly as described
Absolutely gorgeous agate locket & it is in amazing condition for how old it is. Top quality piece of jewelry & will definitely buy from this seller again.
I love this necklace so much. It’s beautiful and in great condition. Better than I ever expected. The packaging was lovely too.
Absolutely STUNNING. Shipping was super fast and the product was even more beautiful in person. Thank you!!
BEAUTIFUL TERRIER DOG BROOCH!So pleased with this purchase! Thank you so much.BEST!!!
Even more beautiful than the pictures! This is my first “antique” purchase, so I had some questions, and (unlike many others I messaged with) this seller was not condescending or snobby. She was helpful, kind, and informative! Wonderful experience all around.
Good quality and fair pricing
Great item and super fast shipping thanks
Beautiful intaglio fob, everything was perfect. I will not hesitate to buy again, lovely communication, prompt dispatch, great packaging.
Loved the hair comb! It's going to look beautiful on my daughter at her wedding!
Gorgeous little antique silver green stone pin! Thank you!
GORGEOUS!! As described and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much!
More beautiful than the pictures!!! I love it!!! And beautifully packaged with quick delivery by a GREAT Seller!
I received this gorgeous bracelet watch today and it is everything I thought it would be. I love the feel of weighty expensive jewelry. Everything about it is beautiful! I think that I will have separation anxiety when I take it off at bedtime 😁
Absolutely gorgeous ring! my wife loved it! The ring arrived next day. We would definitely buy from this shop again.
Such a pretty pendant - I'm so delighted by it and plan to wear it constantly!
Beautiful! Extraordinary workmanship. Solid with weight.