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Trifari Moghul "Jewels of India" Leaf Brooch/Clip NWS 8-1454 ~ Queen Victoria was crowned Empress of India in 1876, which event encouraged trade between the two continents. The profusion of Indian imports included exotic woods, brightly colored silks, and gem encrusted "Moghul jewelry", the likes of which the world had never seen. ~ At midnight on Aug. 14, 1947, freedom from the British Empire was proclaimed in India. Perhaps to commemorate this event, and as a salute to the fantastic jeweled creations that had been made in India for centuries, Trifari introduced their new series, the Moghul Jewels, created in the late 1940's by Alfred Philippe. This spectacular collection was inspired by the famous jewels of the maharajas of India during the Moghul period. Opulent jewelry designs of enormous, carved gemstones were often accompanied by pearls and were laden in the purist gold. ~ This Trifari Leaf Brooch is part of their famous Moghul series. The leaf contains a heart form, which is outlined with dozens of pavé-set, faceted, faux diamonds. At the center are 6 large, "melon carved" emeralds. These stones are not creations of fantasy. This is actually the way many of the royal jewels were carved during the Moghul era in India! ~ While the body of the brooch is gilt, the pavé areas are made with rhodium plated metal, making the faux diamonds look as though they were set in platinum. ~ The leaf is framed by an outer ring of 18 faux ruby cabochons, all bezel set in a tear drop shape. In between each ruby is a single, faux diamond that forms a delicate balance to the larger stones. ~ The brooch does not lie flat, but is slightly domed, so that the center is .75" higher than the sides. Spectacular. ~ Note also the delicate stem at the top, set with one clear crystal at its tip, and the bottom of the leaf, how it gently curls up to reveal more faux diamonds on its underside. This brooch fully displays the genious of the master, Alfred Philippe, Trifari's most famous designer.
c. 1949, in near mint condition, all stones original, with no wear to the gold plating. Research: American Costume Jewelry, 1935-1950, Brunialti & Brunialti, p. 129-130. Price = $495.00 Safe Shopping Guarantee b 1, q-z clips
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