Edwardian 18ct Gold Leopard Brooch set with Rose Diamonds & Green Garnets with Ruby Eyes

Imagine this leopard prowling after you wherever you went because you are wearing him. He is a magnificently modelled  animal with ruby eyes and a rose diamond and green garnet set body. Although garnets have been known since ancient times, the demantoid variety was not discovered until 1868 in Russia’s western central Ural Mountains. Miners were immediately stunned by the highly refractive nature of the gem material. They began comparing it to diamond and referred to it as “demantoid”, from the French “demant” meaning diamond. The reason is obvious, with its high brilliance and dispersion. These bright apple green stones are comparatively rare and very expensive as they are no longer mined. In the early 1900s they were a celebrated stone and many items of jewellery were set with these beautiful stones.

Made circa 1880 in 18ct gold he is a rare survivor and will be sure to attract attention wherever you go.