Gemstones Au Naturale

Master jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels fanciful confections showcase their jeweler's bench prowess. Complex themes rendered in sumptuous gemstones are their forte. And they also know when to leave well enough alone.
 
The diamond, sapphire and aquamarine brooch taking the form of an Oriental serpent dragon flaunts a luxe trophy in its mouth that appears to be a star fancy sapphire.

Juxtaposed to expert craftsmanship in precious stones and metals are the real showstoppers of the brooch; several well placed rough crystal aquamarines. Glorious storytelling objects. Even VC&A knows where to place natural objects like these that can hold court alongside a spectacular dragon.

Aquamarine is a member of the colorful beryl family of minerals. It owes its blue green hue to the presence of FE2+, or iron. The distribution of iron is not always evenly presented through minerals, resulting in color zoning that we see here in the crystals. The concentration of color at the ends of the crystals add a painterly flair, as if the artist swooshed some intense color for heightened effect on this piece.

March babies love their Aquamarine, but any gemstone fan will adore what the venerable house of Van Cleef & Arpels did with this stone.



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