A magnificent Edwardian brooch in the refined Belle Époque style, dating from the period when jewellery design moved towards lighter, more delicate and highly intricate forms. Crafted in a combination of 18ct white gold, yellow gold and platinum, this exceptional jewel brings together the warmth of gold with the cool brilliance of platinum and diamonds.

The brooch is centred by an impressive heart-shaped principal diamond weighing approximately 2.12 carats, graded H/I colour and VS clarity. Surrounding the central stone is an elaborate openwork arrangement of diamonds and rubies, creating a beautifully balanced and richly detailed composition. The total diamond weight is estimated at approximately 6.06 carats, complemented by approximately 1.74 carats of ruby.

Its design reflects the romantic and opulent character of Edwardian jewellery, with floral, foliate and garland-inspired motifs arranged in an elegant, symmetrical form. The Belle Époque and Edwardian periods are particularly associated with airy platinum settings, intricate openwork and jewellery inspired by eighteenth-century French ornament, including bows, ribbons, wreaths and floral garlands. Platinum allowed jewellers to create finely detailed settings with minimal visible metal, allowing the gemstones to take centre stage.macklowegallery+2

The vivid rubies provide a striking contrast to the diamonds, adding warmth and colour to an otherwise luminous jewel. Together with the heart-shaped central diamond, they give the brooch a romantic and distinctive character, making it an especially captivating example of period jewellery.

A versatile jewel, it could be worn as a statement brooch on evening or occasion wear, while its scale and presence would also make it a wonderful addition to a serious collection of antique jewellery. It is accompanied by its original fitted S.J. Phillips box. S.J. Phillips is a historic London jewellery house founded in 1869, renowned for its association with fine antique jewellery and objets d’art.