Vicmart

Important late Art Deco 1940s diamond Bird of Paradise modified necklace pendant brooch in platinum. The pave-set diamond bird has a scrolling tail and perching on a branch. There is a total of 160 old European round brilliant cut diamonds, as well as 5 baguette cut ones, all being of a great G-H color and average VS clarity. The diamonds are extremely sparkling and live and bring enormous life and energy into this exceptional piece of antique Art Deco jewelry. Total estimated weight of diamonds is 10-12 carats. The eyes of the bird are set with two round rubies. There are no hallmarks present, but the piece has been tested and is PT950 platinum with a gross weight of 30.6 grams. The brooch is roughly 78mm (3.1”) high and 50mm (2”) wide at its widest part. The piece has been converted to a necklace pendant with lifetime Art Deco era platinum chain with twisted and alternating wire and rhombus blocks sections. One of the two safety pins at the back has been removed in order not to stay on the way of the brooch being worn as a necklace pendant. The circumference of the chain is about 620mm (24.4”). Reference: a virtually identical diamond Bird of Paradise brooch was sold through Christie’s, Geneva “Magnificent Jewels” auction sale in Nov 16, 2005 for 20,400 Swiss Francs, Sale 1331, Lot 112. Scarce antique collector jewelry and one of the rare Art Deco diamond pendants, brooches and jewels. The majority of the birds-of-paradise species are found on the island of New Guinea and its satellites, with a few species occurring in the Moluccas and eastern Australia. The members of this family are perhaps best known for the plumage of the males of most species, in particular highly elongated and elaborate feathers extending from the beak, wings or head. For the most part they are confined to dense rainforest habitat. The family is of cultural importance to the inhabitants of New Guinea. The trade in skins and feathers of the birds-of-paradise has been going on for two thousand years; and, the birds have been of considerable interest to Western collectors, ornithologists and writers as well.