Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Mastery of Design: The Cinnamon Shamrock Brooch, 1890

Brooch
Cinnamon and Colorless Diamonds
1890
The Victoria & Albert Museum
This brooch of cinnamon and colorless diamonds in the shape of a shamrock was made in New York in 1890 for export to England. It is especially important for two reasons: this is one of the first records of cinnamon diamonds in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum. Also called cognac-colored, these diamonds are not quite canary, not quite brown and not quite white, but offer a lovely glow all of their own.

Secondly, this brooch marks the continued acceptance of diamonds for less formal occasions. With its light-hearted shape, a lady could wear this brooch to casual event, but because of its beautiful stones, could also wear it to a grand event.

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