Length: 7 ½ inches x Width: 1½ inches
Weight: 5.55 Troy ounces / 172.7 grams / 111 pennyweights
*** The lion motif is modeled after the famous recumbent lions by Antonio Canova (Italy, 1757-1822), made for the monumental tomb of Clement XIII at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
Art Deco cushion shape natural Burmese sapphire ring (approx. 7 carats TW, G.I.A. certificate, 10.00 x 9.70 x 8.00mm, no heat) set in an intricate platinum mount with 4 baguette diamonds and 16 round diamonds (approx. 4 carats), c. 1930
For a related oval gold and cameo medallion box in the Russian National Museum presented in the original Iosif Marschak Kiev box see: Illustration #560 “Faberge / Cartier” by Geza von Habsburg (2003)
G.T. Marsh was established in 1876 in San Francisco, CA as one of the first purveyors of Japanese art and antiques. In the early 30’s Marsh, with the help of his Italian bench jeweler settled on a unique style that will always be indicative of the firm. Instead of using gold or platinum, the jeweler, who was interested in gun-smithing, created a line of jewels using sandblasted steel finished with gun bluing. This resulted in a rich dark mat black finish. Chased or milegrained white gold or platinum offset pearls, jade or diamonds set against the black ground of the steel. Movement also played a part in the design. Hinged pearls or gemstones added yet another distinct element to the work or exceptionally strong contrasting graphics. The use of diamonds on a grander scale with the dramatic outline of a classic paisley form, places this brooch mid-century and at a time when Marsh’s Jewelry boutique was particularly flourishing in the Bay area.