Edwardian Purple Enamel And Diamond Brooch Watch by T. B. Starr

Oh, my, where to start? It would not be inappropriate to encase this exquisite brooch and display it in a fine museum for all the world to see. And yet, it is to be worn--as a watch or as a brooch. The front of this extraordinary timepiece is decorated with guilloche engraving overlaid by a deep aubergine-hued translucent enamel accented with a lacy leaf-like design dotted by tiny rose and single-cut diamonds. Surrounded by a halo, graceful ribbons, and a scallop-edged louver design, all shining with diamonds, it suspends from a graceful bow by way of diamond-set chains. The reverse reveals an easy-to-read golden-hued dial with a radial guilloche design that creates an intriguing, shimmering optical effect, while a cabochon sapphire gleams on the crown. An utterly exquisite masterful work of wearable art from famed New York jeweler, T. B. Starr. Circa 1900. Total diamond weight, 1.60 carats. Crafted in platinum.