GIULIANO
A sapphire and diamond set caduceus brooch
£2,200
The Lord Constantine Collection
Auction: 12 October 2007 at 12:00 BST
Description
the terminal set with a pearl, measuring approximately 5mm diameter, surmounting a claw set oval cut sapphire, flanked by rose cut diamond set and deep blue enamel decorated outstretched wings, above two blue enamel decorated entwined serpents, signed C&AG, for Carl and Arthur Giuliano
Length 5.5cm
Footnote
Note: Carl Joseph and Arthur Giuliano were sons of the renowned Neopolitan jeweller Carlo Giuliano (c.1831-1895). Working in London , the Giuliano family famously produced neo-Renaissance jewellery, particularly in the archaeological style. After the death of their father in 1896, the monogram C. & A. G., in an oval, was introduced and remained in use until the closure of their business at the outbreak of the First World War. The caduceus depicted here is a typical Renaissance motif, symbolic of the winged staff of Mercury, borne by him as messenger of the gods. It is associated with a variety of professions including merchants, journalists and postal workers