1950s Patriotic Brooch with Diamonds, Rubies, and Sapphires – Symbol of Liberty and Unity

This remarkable brooch, dating to circa 1950, exudes timeless elegance with its masterful blend of design and symbolism. Its vibrant palette of blue, white, and red is brought to life by dazzling diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, meticulously set in 18K yellow gold and platinum. Reflecting the ideals of liberty, equality, and brotherhood, the brooch’s bold geometry and impeccable artistry speak of refined sophistication. Whether seen as a tribute to the French tricolour or the American flag, this jewel combines historical significance with an enduring sense of grace and beauty.

Antique jewelry object group
clip/brooch

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
While it bears no discernible control marks, we attribute its origin to either France or America.

Style
Between Retro and Fifties
See also: Retro and Fifties (of the twentieth century)
more info on styles

Style specifics
Retro Style is a recent designation for the period in the forties when large scale, stylized geometric forms, drapes, bows or ribbons were all the rage. Pink Gold, set with colored stones, sometimes in floral forms was common.

Period
ca. 1950
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
the ideals of liberty, equality, and brotherhood

Theme
Patriotism and cultural identity

Material 18K
yellow gold and platinum (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Extra information
This captivating jewel, featuring the bold and vibrant hues of blue, white, and red, offers intriguing possibilities of patriotic symbolism. It may honour the French tricolour, evoking national pride and the ideals of liberty, equality, and brotherhood during the interwar or post-WWII era. Alternatively, the colours could reference the American flag, symbolising patriotism or reflecting the glamour of Hollywood’s jewellery trends in the 1940s-50s. The exceptional craftsmanship suggests the work of a master jeweller, potentially French or American. While its exact origin remains a mystery, the artistry of this piece speaks profoundly to its historical and cultural significance.

French Connection
The colours blue, white, and red reference the French tricolour, a symbol of national pride and revolutionary ideals since 1789. A common interpretation suggests that the white in the flag represents the monarchy, held captive between the Parisian colours of blue and red. However, this explanation remains controversial, as it seems unlikely that the republic, which distanced itself so strongly from monarchy, would intentionally retain a reference to the Bourbons, even in a subordinate role. More likely, the flag symbolises the values of Liberté (freedom), Égalité (equality) and Fraternité (brotherhood), with blue, white, and red representing these ideals.

American Connection
The colours blue, white, and red may also symbolise the American flag, with its strong associations with liberty and independence. During the 1940s-1950s, particularly in the wake of World War II, patriotic jewellery became popular in the United States, often showcasing the nation’s core values of democracy and freedom. Additionally, the flamboyant design of this piece reflects the influence of Hollywood in the same period, where jewellery was not only decorative but also a bold statement of style and identity.

Diamonds
Eleven old mine brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 1.00ct
One baguette (long rectangular) cut diamond with an estimated weight of ± 0.35ct

Total diamond count
Twelve pcs.

Total diamond weight
approx. 1.35 crt with an average colour and clarity F/J, vs/i

- When we provide weights, colour grades, and clarity of diamonds, these are approximate unless otherwise stated, as we do not remove diamonds from their settings to preserve the integrity of the piece.

- All diamonds, regardless of their size or shape, in our vintage and antique jewellery are verified as 100% natural by the IJGC laboratory.

- We do not sell lab-grown (synthetic) diamonds.

Precious stones
One cabochon and eight carre cut rubies . We did not check if the rubies are lab produced or not as this information has no influence on the value of this jewel. Natural rubies and lab produced rubies were both used in this era, rather more for their effect than for their intrinsic value. with an estimated weight of ± 1.77ct

Thirteen sapphires . We did not check if the sapphires are lab produced or not as this information has no influence on the value of this jewel. Natural sapphires and lab produced sapphires were both used in this era, rather more for their effect than for their intrinsic value. with an estimated weight of ± 1.10ct

All color stone weights are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

It is a very common practice to treat gemstones to intensify their clarity or colour. The item in question has not been tested in this regard.

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April, ruby for July and sapphire for September.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
No trace.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
3,22 cm (1,27 inch) x 2,95 cm (1,16 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
11,20 gram (7,20 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
25006-0095

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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