A rare and exquisite brooch, once tucked away among seemingly worthless costume jewellery, has sold for an astonishing £19,500 at an auction. The piece, discovered by a Warwickshire resident who inherited a box of jewelry, was initially thought to be a collection of inexpensive trinkets.
Upon inspection at Kinghams Auctioneers in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, gem experts were astounded to find the “exceptionally rare” antique brooch from Cartier’s iconic Tutti Frutti collection. Dating back to the 1930s, the pin brooch, measuring just 3.8cm (1.5in) in length, was originally estimated to fetch £6,000. However, it far exceeded expectations, attracting intense bidding from international collectors, ultimately selling to a US bidder.
Cartier, founded in the 1840s by Louis-François Cartier in Paris, has long been a favourite among royalty and celebrities, including King Edward VII, Mick Jagger, and Kim Kardashian. The Tutti Frutti collection, known for its vibrant colours and Indian-inspired design, became one of the most coveted jewellery lines during the Art Deco era.
The brooch is a stunning example of the craftsmanship that made Cartier’s Tutti Frutti pieces a must-have among high society in the 1930s. Crafted in gold and platinum, the piece is adorned with diamond, sapphires, and ruby, arranged in a delicate bud-like design. A highly prized possession, the brooch would have been a symbol of status and elegance during its time.
Kinghams Auctioneers noted that while other items in the inherited jewellery box were deemed “valueless paste brooches and beads,” this remarkable find captured the attention of collectors worldwide. With “much pre-sale interest” and “intense bidding,” the brooch has now earned its place as one of the top three highest-priced brooches of its kind sold at auction in the UK in recent years.
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