Napoleon III Wheat & Scythe Brooch with Pearls | 110 Rose Cut Diamonds .97ctw | 18ct Pink Gold & Sterling | c.1860s

The only brooch I've ever seen to depict the harvest in diamonds so deliciously! A double stalk of wheat decorated with pearls, with a scythe curling around the wheat leaves, in active motion of harvesting the stalks. This magical brooch is wonderfully completed with a simple knot of ribbon and pearl-bottomed handle. A magical brooch of the highest quality French craftspersonship of the Napoleon III period with a long visual history.

Not only was Empress Eugénie a fan of Marie Antoinette (her ill-fated predecessor) she had a huge interest in Empress Josephine; much of the jewelry which was fashionable in Eugénie's court owes visual debt to the Mistress of Malmaison (Empress Josephine.) In 1804, Nitot created, for Josephine, a fabulous wheat tiara, which was gifted to her in Milan. The wheat tiara was in direct response to the sumptuous "frivolity" of the previous century's French sovereigns, recalling motifs of the classical world. Nitot would go on to be Josephine's jeweler, and would go on to found the house of Chaumet; we've included reference images and research from Napoleon.org in our photos section for this rare jewel.

Details

• Era: Napoleon III, French, c. 1860s
• Materials: 18ct pink gold, sterling silver
• Stones: 110 rose cut diamonds, .97ctw; 17 pearls
• Weight: 15.26g
• Hallmarks: French eagle head hallmark on pin back
• Condition: There is a small break at the very tip top of the second ear of wheat (fully stabalied); the brooch back has been replaced there. This has been lovingly factored into the price. Have a close look at the photos.

Shipping & Services

Ships fully insured, signature required via UPS from our NYC office. Full historical certification and appraisal services available upon request — beautiful documented paperwork inclusive of photographs.

The Curio NYC | Fine Historical Jewels | Brooklyn, New York, Paris