Lot 15
A multi-gem set brooch
The Lord Constantine Collection
Auction: 12 October 2007 at 12:00 BST
Description
designed as the British Royal crest, incorporating a red enamelled crown, with circular cut ruby and emerald borders, also set with round brilliant and single cut diamonds, surmounted by a crowned lion passant guardant, pavé set with similarly cut diamonds
Length 2.5cm
Footnote
Note: The British Royal Crest, depicted in this brooch, pertains to the sovereign or to the kingdom (rather than a lower rank in the royal family). The crown alone is not infrequently encountered in jewellery but when topped by a lion passant guardant also wearing a crown the intention is much more ambitious. Unlike other royal devices, this one is unlikely to have been associated with a department of government and may even have been given as a royal gift.