Of girandole design, the oval-shaped sapphire and old-cut diamond flowerhead centre with sapphire and diamond foliate sprays to either side suspending three pendants of similar design, two diamonds deficient, circa 1850, 7.3 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.