LONDON- A pink sapphire and diamond flower brooch, circa 1900, realistically modelled as a cyclamen is one of the highlights of the Fine Jewellery Sale held on the 13th April at Bonhams, New Bond Street. The brooch, from a private collection, is estimated to sell for £30,000 – 40,000.

The centre of the delicate brooch is set with calibre-cut sapphires, ranging in hue from deep crimson to pale pink, the tips of the unfurling petals set with old brilliant-cut diamonds. The curving stem is also set with similarly cut diamonds.

During the 19th century, new and interesting plant species were introduced and spread throughout Europe. As a result, naturalistic themes began to develop in the decorative arts, where knowledge and interest in flowers was both fashionable and academic.

The stunning brooch offered by Bonhams is a fantastic example of its type. The craftsman who created this brooch has created a sparkling, tactile and lifelike object. The delicate diamond bloom, balances on a slender diamond stem and the calibré-cut pink sapphires mirror the deep pink zone at the base of each petal of a cyclamen persicum.

Further highlights of the Bonhams Fine Jewellery sale include:

• An impressive pair of diamond pendent earrings - £120,000 – 150,000
• A fine sapphire and diamond cluster ring - £100,000 – 150,000
• A magnificent pair of diamond clip brooches, by Cartier £80,000 – 100,000
• A fancy-coloured diamond single-stone ring - £80,000 – 100,000