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19th Century Articulated Crab Brooch set with a Garnet & Diamonds in Case

72W
Rare Find
Written by Olly Gerrish

An unusual and beautiful brooch of a crab that was made circa 1880 in Europe and imported in to France. The body is gold with silver settings. In the centre is a large cabochon cut garnet. Around it are old mine cut diamonds. It also has small cabochon ruby eyes. The eight legs articulate and have been set with graduated old mine cut diamonds. The story goes that Karkinos was a giant crab who rescued the Hydra in its battle with Herakles. Karkinos crushed Herakles and his reward from the Goddess Hera was to place him amongst the stars as the constellation Cancer. Perhaps this brooch was a special commission for a Cancerian. It comes in an S J Phillips ornate tooled Moroccan Burgundy leather case when the firm was based in 139 New Bond Street, London W1 with the silk inside printed with the Royal Appointment Warrants.

The Details
Ollys Pick

I love that the legs all move on this fantastic and unusual crab brooch.

Essentials

Item Number:
72W
Materials:
Measurements:
Height 3.5cm
Width 4.8cm
Garnet 1.3cm by 1.1cm
Diamonds approx total weight 3.20 carats
Discovered:
1 year ago

Hallmarks

Care Tips

  • Take special care of historical jewellery
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