Jewelry pieces are known to have rich historical significance, and the Queen's sapphire-chrysanthemum-brooch is no exception. The brooch has been passed down through generations and has a fascinating history. This post aims to explore the technical details and the history of the Queen's sapphire-chrysanthemum-brooch.

Technical Details of the Sapphire-Chrysanthemum Brooch

The Queen's sapphire-chrysanthemum-brooch is a remarkable piece of jewelry that is made up of a 62.02-carat sapphire stone surrounded by a wreath of diamonds. The sapphire itself is of exceptional quality, and the brooch is a true representation of exquisite craftsmanship.

The brooch was initially designed by French jeweler Paul Flato in 1948 for the American socialite and philanthropist, Rachel "Bunny" Mellon. The design was inspired by Mellon's love of flowers and her interest in Japanese culture. The brooch was originally made up of a 26-carat sapphire surrounded by diamonds in the shape of a chrysanthemum flower.

In the 1950s, Rockefeller's second wife, Martha Baird Rockefeller, had the brooch redesigned by Raymond Yard. The sapphire was replaced with a larger stone, weighing 62.02 carats, and the brooch was set in platinum. The new design included a wreath of diamonds that surrounded the sapphire.

History of the Sapphire-Chrysanthemum Brooch

The Queen's sapphire-chrysanthemum-brooch has a fascinating history that spans several decades. The brooch was initially owned by Rachel "Bunny" Mellon, who was an American socialite and philanthropist. Mellon was a close friend of Jacqueline Kennedy, and the two shared a passion for gardening and horticulture.

Mellon gifted the brooch to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1962 as a token of their friendship. Kennedy wore the brooch to several events, including her husband's presidential inauguration in 1961. The brooch became a staple of Kennedy's jewelry collection and was often worn to formal events and state occasions.

After Kennedy's death in 1963, the brooch was returned to Mellon. The brooch remained in Mellon's possession until the winter of 1971, when the Rockefeller family sold the jewelry from John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s estate in Zurich. Raphael Esmerian purchased the sapphire for approximately $170,000.

Esmerian then sold the sapphire to an Italian private client, who passed away shortly after. The family consigned the stone once more for auction in the spring of 1980, and Ralph Esmerian, Raphael's son, purchased the stone for approximately $1,500,000.

After this purchase, the stone was repolished to its weight of 62.02 carats and mounted in a platinum setting with diamonds. The brooch has since been owned by various private collectors and is considered one of the most valuable pieces of jewelry in the world.

Conclusion

The Queen's sapphire-chrysanthemum-brooch is a remarkable piece of jewelry with a rich history. The brooch has been owned by several notable figures and has become an iconic piece of jewelry. The technical details of the brooch showcase exquisite craftsmanship and exceptional quality. The brooch is a true representation of the beauty and significance of jewelry in history.