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The first thing to notice about this impressive Sri Lankan pink sapphire, seed pearl and diamond pendant is the size, with the sapphire weighing in at 25.39 carats. With no indications of heat treatment, the cushion-shaped sapphire has a lovely violet pink tone. The sapphire is set within a surround of seed pearls with a scalloped openwork frame and pendant loop millegrain-set with old single and rose-cut diamonds.
The pendant was formerly the property of Marija Barachutė. Marija who was born in Lithuania in 1911 before moving to Scotland with her family as a small child where her name was changed to Mary Barclay upon starting her schooling.
At the age of 16, Mary, as she was now known, left Glasgow on her own on a liner to America. She settled in Chicago and lived there for about five years as a flapper girl, leading a very interesting life and dressing very fashionably before returning to Scotland.
The 1920s saw a change in how jewellery was designed and worn to previous decades. This piece could have been worn on a long chain or layered with long strands of pearl as was the style at the time. From the American design of the pendant, it can be assumed that Mary was given this pendant during her time in Chicago.
Originally thought to be a kunzite before it arrived at Lyon & Turnbull, the impressive gem was identified as an untreated sapphire by our specialist team. It went on to lead our London Select Jewellery & Watches auction after achieving £195,000*.
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