An Edwardian emerald and diamond `comet` 18 carat gold ring, Birmingham 1906, the square cut stone enclosed by a graduated old cut diamond set tail, finger size M. Comet jewellery was produced in anticipation of the 1910 sighting of Halley`s Comet, coming into view around the 10th of April, being the most exciting to that time as it was the first approach of which photographs exist, and the first for which spectroscopic data was obtained. Furthermore, it was a relatively close approach making a spectacular sight. On May 19th, the Earth actually passed through the tail. One of the substances discovered in the tail by spectroscopic analysis was the toxic gas cyanogen, leading astronomer Camille Flammarion to claim that, by passing through the tail, the gas "would impregnate the atmosphere and possibly snuff out all life on the planet". His statement led to panic buying of gas masks, quack "anti-comet pills" and "anti-comet umbrellas". In reality, as others were quick to point out, the gas was so diffuse that the world suffered no ill effects. Halley`s apparition is distinct from the Great Daylight Comet of 1910, surpassing Halley in brilliance, being visible in broad daylight for a short period, some four months before Halley appeared.
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A late Victorian diamond and ruby 18 carat gold ring, Birmingham 1896, the carved shouldered mount set with small stones with one setting vacant, finger size P; with an emerald and diamond cluster ring, the round cut stone enclosed by ten brilliant cuts totalling approximately 0.3 carats, stamped `18ct`, finger size L; 8.4g gross
* A sapphire, ruby, emerald and diamond bracelet, the three oval links claw set with oval mixed cut sapphires, rubies and emeralds with brilliant cut diamond points between, with a pave set brilliant cut diamond and circular cut sapphire connecting stirrup links to a similarly set ruby concealed clasp, stamped `585` with Italian control marks, 20cm long
An Art Deco emerald and diamond double clip brooch, circa 1930, designed as a cascading drape, pave set throughout with old brilliant and brilliant cut diamonds, with square cut diamond accents and channel set square cut emerald highlights, approximately 10.00 carats total, with a double clip fitting, 4.5cm long
A PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY PARIS PORCELAIN SQUARE BOTTLES AND STOPPERS, in the manner of Jacob Petit, each painted with opposing panels and flowers, against an emerald green ground, heavily gilt with scrolls and foliage, raised on paw feet with swan capitols, with conforming stoppers, unmarked, 22cm high
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