The foliate wreath composed of seven graduated oval-shaped sapphire and old-cut diamond flowerheads applied on a rose-cut diamond branch with sapphire single-stone collet detail, mounted in silver and gold, circa 1850, 17.0 cm wide

The Barberini Jewels (lots 145-148)

The antique sapphire and diamond tiara, necklace, ear pendants and brooch once formed part of the jewels of the Barberini family. They were sold as a parure at Christie's Geneva on 18 November 1971 and realised $18,850.

The Barberinis were an Italian noble family who rose to prominence in 17th century Rome when Cardinal Maffeo Barberini was elected as Pope Urban VIII. The Barberini Palazzo created by Bernini in 1633 gives evidence of the family's importance and today houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art in Rome.