KUNZITE was discovered in 1902 and so it is a relatively recent addition to our gemstone pantheon. It was named after George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany & Co's chief jeweler at the time, and a noted mineralogist. This first brooch to the top left must have been among the earliest important pieces of jewelry made with the stone, dating from c. 1915. Kunzite remains somewhat rare, although extremely beautiful and well suited for jewellery making with its delicate rose-lilac hue.

 

The FIRST IMAGE is a KUNZITE AND DIAMOND EDWARDIAN BROOCH shown to the left is detachable, and can be worn as two separate pendants, set with an oval mixed-cut and a triangular mixed-cut kunzite, within a foliate surround set with circular-cut kunzites and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18k blackened gold, the oval kunzite is estimated to weigh approx. 100.00 carats, the triangular kunzite is estimated to weigh approx. 25.00 carats, the diamonds are estimated to weigh approx. 1.36 carats in total, brooch length 8.9cm c. 1915
 

The SECOND IMAGE is a wonderful piece of pale kunite that quite resembles the gem Morganite.  This kunzite and diamond brooch is quite likely also one of the first important pieces produced and dates quite probably from the beginning of the 20th century.  It has a central cushion-shaped kunzite, within a lozenge-shaped border of square, single and old brilliant-cut diamonds, diamonds approximately 3.10 carats total, length 4.7cm, width 4.4cm

 

The THIRD IMAGE is Tiffany's version of the classic Verdura 'wrapped-stone' brooch with a gorgeous emerald-cut Kunzite and a ribbon of diamonds. A contemporary production.

 

And the FOURTH IMAGE is by Verdura, also a contemporary creation called their Raja Ring.  Composed of a round faceted kunzite,  with peridot and diamond pear-shaped drops, made in platinum, and 18k yellow gold.

 

 

#VonGiesbrecht Jewels #Paris #ShaunaGiesbrecht #EdwardianBrooch #Kunzite