SOLD Antique 14K, Silver, Diamond & Opal Drop Bow Brooch

Whether simple or elaborate, bow motifs have been a popular and desirable look all through the history of jewelry. For centuries famous makers and jewelry houses have featured bows in nearly all of their pieces, with stylistic elements that reflect the times and social settings of each era. During the 18th century in the French court of Louis XIV, bow brooches were used as “ribbon language” to communicate one’s availability for matrimony. Typically they were delicately shaped metal and diamond bow brooches called Sévignés, named after the Marquise de Sévigné whose famous French writings spoke of ladies with strategically placed bow brooches and necklaces. A bow worn over the heart indicated the woman was taken and had found true love, a bow dangling around the neck indicated that she was in between loves, and a bow over the décolletage was an invitation for new love suitors. 

This antique brooch features a beautiful, glittering bow, set in silver, as was the style for diamond settings. Backed in 14 karat yellow gold, the bow has a large and lively opal drop dangling from it, also set in yellow gold. While we do not believe that the opal drop was original to the bow, it is clear that the bow was designed to hold any number of different drops, as was the common custom during the previous centuries--so it is perfectly normal that the opal was a later addition, probably circa the 1920s. The real value of this outstanding historical brooch is actually in this stunning, sizable opal.  I did some pricing on a similar opal of this size on the wholesale market and found that the stone alone exceeds the value of the entire antique brooch!  Whether you decide to wear it over your heart, or at your decolletage, here is a beautiful way to showcase a gorgeous opal, by putting a bow on it! 

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 35mm x 35mm (1.74")

Weight: 8.4 grams

Materials: Gold, silver, rose cut diamonds, opal

Modified Pear Cabochon White Opal=4.4ct

40 Rose Cut Diamonds=1.05ctw; Color: H-I, Clarity: VS-SI

Metal: 14K yellow gold, sterling silver

Marks: Weevil in round border on C clasp (French import from a treaty country, minimum fineness Au750/Ag800)

Condition: Excellent antique condition

LORL, LOE