Saturday Sparkle: A Diamond and Emerald Brooch, 1930

Diamond and Emerald Brooch
French, 1930
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Dense configurations of diamonds in geometric patterns defined the jewelry design of the 1930’s. Very often, designers, especially the French, adapted these rigid designs into stylized organic forms. Especially popular were feathers and flowers.


This brooch is the epitome of 1930’s style. Brilliant cut and baguette diamonds set in platinum take on an abstracted feather form—contrasted by cool green cabochon emeralds. The platinum framework is easily removed so that this brooch can be worn as a flexible pendant.